S, imti/ic In tell i yen ee. 



[no. 4, Nr.w IBRIBI , 



V cimens of Col (on and information desired with a rieir to 

 the Chemical investigation of the Cotton Plant. 



Mr. Mallet, Professor of Chemistry in the University of Alabama 

 W. 8. is engaged in investigating the Chemistry, Natural history 

 and Physical condition of the cotton plant, and has applied to the 

 Court of Directors for specimens and information which may ena- 

 ble him to extend his researches to the varieties produced in India. 



The following Memo, was at the same time drawn up by Mr. 

 Mallet to serve as a guide as to the kind of information desired by 

 him from those supplying him with specimens. 



It would ho desirable to have specimens from four or live of the Cotton 

 growing localities of India, differing in soil and climate, those which are 

 most important now, or may he expected hereafter to become so. 



Separate analysis should he made of the ash of the following parts of the 

 plant, and specimens will therefore be required of 



(1st) The root. 



(2d.) The stem (with smaller branches and twigs.) 



(3d.) The leaves. 



(1th.) The bole or pod. 



(3th.) The seed. 



(6th.) The fibre or cotton. 

 About four pounds of each of these parts (in the green state) would be 

 needed, hence a sufficient number of entire plants should be collected to 

 yield at least the above amount of each part. 



The total weight of the entire plants clear of earth and in their fresh 

 green state must be stated, they must be weighed free from rain or extra- 

 neous moisture. 



The specimens should be gathered in dry weather and just after the bole 

 has fully opened. 



The whole of the root, as of every other organ should be taken, each 

 specimen should then be put up in paper or cotton cloth, and distinctly 

 marked and referred to a list, the marks legible and indelible. 



Besides the plants, about four pounds weight of the soil in which they 

 were grown should be also put up in cotton cloth, and similarly labelled, 

 carefully referring to the plants taken therefrom. 



Information as to the following points accompanying the specimens 

 would be very important and valuable. 



