mi 
Supplement to the "Tropical Agricuiturist" [Nov. 1, 1902. 
patches on the Darling Downs, a few experi- 
mental plots North and West, from which I 
have at various times received fair samples of 
cotton, Queensland, with the exception of the 
East and West Moreton districts, represents 
untried localities. There is every reason to 
believe that in the interior and drier parts 
this shurb will thrive, more especially as its 
drought-resisting qualities surpass most crops 
ia ordinary cultivation. In deciding on varieties 
to plant, the planter must be guided somewhat 
by climatic influences. Long-stapled varieties do 
better in the Northern and more humid parts, 
and the short-stapled varieties do better iu 
Southern and Western areas, 
Preparation op the Soil. 
The cotton shrub being a plant depending a 
great deal on its tap root, which observers will 
note is the first prominent indication of vitality 
in the newly bursting seed, moderately deep 
tilloge becomes necessary in order to get the 
best results. Of course, if grown in a deep, 
friable soil, so vigorous is the root extension 
of the shrub that in the short space of a few 
weeks the tap root penetrates to a depth much 
beyond the depth usually ploughed. This is 
undoubtedly one reason why the shrub is able 
so well to sustain the drought conditions often 
prevailing. This deep tillage is an advantage ; 
nevertheless, this aspect in past practice did 
not receive more attention with our local cotton- 
growers than was usually given to mazie or 
other crops. 
The best that was done was to plough about 
5 to 6 inches deep, harrow thoroughly and 
drill, sow the seed, keep the crop clean ; and, 
under even this superficial system of cultivation, 
the crop throve and yielded well. It is not 
to be expected that the intending planter can 
gain complete success by a system of indifferent 
tillage. So much depends on this feature with 
respect to yield, quality of fibre, condition of 
the lint as regards absence or presence of dirt 
in the form of weed seeds, vegetable matter, 
soil, (tc, that the margin of profit is often 
materially affected thereby. Thorough tillage 
means financial advantage, and this must be 
borne in mind by the intending cotton-grower. 
The main essentials, then, iu preparing the 
soil are moderately deep ploughing — cross plough- 
ing also, if necessary; thorough harrowing, to 
have proper pulverisation and a good seed bed 
free from lumps, so that the young plant shall 
be in no danger of the harrow or scuffler rolling 
on its little crown a mass of soil to its detriment. 
These few hints are to the practical farmer 
scarcely necessary, but perhaps may be of some 
use as brief reminders to those who are new 
to the pursuit, and who will need to give 
attention to them. 
Selection of Seeds. 
The question of selection of seed is, for the 
present, one that until opportunities arise must 
to Eome extent remain in abeyance. Excepting 
a amall supply, in the hands of the Acclimatisa- 
tion Society, of the Upland, Sea Island, and 
Egyptian varieties, true to name and all of the 
l^est sorts, tbers is uo seed ia the SUte aTa,il« 
able for distribution, save some Upland variety 
of mixed but good sorts at the Ipswich Cotton 
Factory, which has been kindly placed at the 
disposal of this Department for distribution. 
Some of this seed, I may say, I have grown 
this season, and although it is now some five 
or six years old, about 50 per cent, appears, 
by experiments carried on by myself and the 
Actlimatisation Society, to be fertile seed. Thus, 
in order to supply the numerous demands made 
upon this Department, it is proposed in the 
absence of fresher seed to make distribution 
of what is available, notifying recipients of the 
need of allowing for about 50 per cent, of 
the seed as likely to be unfertile. This simply 
means sowing double the quantity than would 
otherwise be needed. Of course those fortunate 
enough to obtain seed from the Acclima- 
tisation Society, who can "only distribute 
in small quantities, will find that all their seed 
is fertile, and can sow sparingly. 
In general practice, selection of seed .,is the 
result of observing and marking off the most 
prolific and largest podding plants in the field. 
In selecting, attention should be given to length 
of staple, texture of lint, strength of fibre, habit 
of growth, and other features that commend 
themselves to the planter. Selection in this 
manner gives the planter good seed for the suc- 
ceeding sowing, and tends to the evolution of a 
better cotton plant having the prime points of 
advantage I have mentioned. 
It is recognised that a difficulty often exists in 
tracing the origin of most of our varieties of 
cotton. The plant hybridises readily without 
human aid, and probably the interchange of seed 
from remote countries so varies the character of 
the shrub and its staple, causing the recognition 
of the original very hard to decipher. Most 
probably we are indebted to the good offices of 
our insect friends, by reason of their wonderful 
service as hybridisers in consonance with natura 
law, for the origin of many of our best varieties 
of cotton. The cotton-planter will do well to 
keep this point in view, and make selection of 
seed from such plants as appear to him to have 
had the benefit of cross-fertilisation and exhibit 
good qualities. 
The kinds of cotton introduced some years since 
by the State Department of Agriculture, and 
■ which in mixed varieties will ■ be distributed this 
season, are all of them good species of Upland 
cotton. Our experience of these fibres in manu- 
facture in the Ipswich mill, and our knowledge 
of their suitability for plantation purposes in 
South Queensland, is such that we can recommend 
them as being varieties worthy of cultivation. 
One imoprtant point iu the selection of seed 
should not be overlooked — and that is the question 
of proportion of seed to lint after undergoing 
the ginning process. When the variety is charac- 
terised by large heavy seed and the lint adheres 
in unduly large quantity, it is wise to discard 
the same for a variety that does not carry 
these demerits. Cotton from which the lia% 
can be cleanly removed, and of which the 
seed email, mil bo the most profitable for 
