PRODUCTION OF AMERICAN EGYPTIAN COTTON. 3 
Egyptian cotton until very recently has been produced commer- 
cially only in the delta and lower valley of the Nile River, in Egypt. 
During the 10-year period from 1907 to 1916 the Egyptian crop 
averaged annually the equivalent of 1,292,400 bales of 500 pounds 
(see Table I). 
CHARACTER AND SUPPLY OF EGYPTIAN COTTON. 
Egyptian cotton is a distinct type, both botanically and commer- 
cially, comprising several varieties and having staples ranging from 
14 to 13 inches. The history of cotton growing in Egypt since 
the present definite type was developed in that country about 65 
years ago has been marked by the successive appearance of numerous 
varieties. Each of these, after having been extensively grown for a 
number of years, has shown marked deterioration due to inter- 
crossing. 
The most striking characteristics of the Egyptian fiber are its 
length of staple combined with great strength and fineness. The 
older varieties, Ashmuni and Mit Afifi, are characterized by a brown 
or, more properly, pinkish buff color of the fiber, but the Sakellaridis 
‘variety, which is now highest in favor among spinners, is nearly 
white, or almost as light in color as Sea Island cotton. In 1916 this 
variety occupied 62 per cent of the total cotton acreage of Egypt. 
Egyptian cotton is used especially in. the manufacture of goods in 
which strength or fineness or a combination of both qualities is de- 
sired. Some of the principal articles manufactured from this cotton 
are sewing thread, hosiery, automobile-tire fabrics, and fine and 
fancy dress goods. Until a few years ago mercerized fabrics were 
made only from Egyptian cotton, but the process of mercerization 
has now been developed so that other cottons can be successfully 
treated. “Balbriggan” underwear was formerly manufactured 
exclusively from the brown Egyptian cottons, but dyed white cottons 
are now also employed for this purpose. 
The cotton crop of Egypt is grown entirely on irrigated land in a 
climate which is practically rainless throughout the period of de- 
velopment ‘of the cotton plants. The absence of rain during the 
picking season favors the production of clean cotton. During the 
10-year period from 1907 to 1916, the area in cotton in Egypt 
averaged 1,684,000 acres, and the average yield per acre was about 
880 pounds." ; 
The recent annual production of cotton in Egypt is shown in 
Table I. 
About 60 per cent of the Egyptian crop is exported to Great Brit- 
ain. Imports into the United States during the period from 1908 to 
1These averages are computed from data given in Monthly Return, Ministry of Agri. 
culture (Hgypt), Nov. 30, 1917, p. 5. 
