V/TILIZATION OF PIMA COTTON. 6 
use the cheaper upper Egyptians and American lj-inch staple for 
this trade. This depression of the cotton market resulted in a more 
active competition between the Pima and the imported Egyptian 
cotton, which condition has been a considerable factor in the ex- 
tension of the utilization of Pima cotton in the manufacture of fine 
yarns and fabrics. 
Up to this time there had been no active efforts for promoting 
the use of Pima cotton for purposes other than for the tire trade. 
Spinners of fine yarns were naturally reluctant to buy this new 
type, being aware of the increased demand for tire fabrics of 
quality and realizing the rather limited supply of this variety, 
which was being used extensively for this purpose, so much so that 
it was generally stated that tire manufacturers had a monopoly of 
the crop of Pima cotton. Under these conditions other manufac- 
turers could not be assured of additional lots after going to the ex- 
pense of setting machines for this staple. 
Trade fluctuations in the demand for high-grade tires, which 
were reflected in the market price of Pima, showed the need of de- 
veloping the use of this cotton in fine yarns and fine fabrics. One 
of the difficulties now to be met arises from the fact that the re- 
quirements for the tire trade as regards trash and methods of 
handling relative to the production of a clean, smooth staple uni- 
form in length and strength are not as exacting as those for the 
fine-goods trade. 
It is evident that Pima cotton will have to compete with the 
high grades of Sakellaridis. but to meet satisfactorily and regularly 
the requirements-of the manufacturers of fine yarns and sheer goods 
some features of the growing and handling of this cotton must be 
improved. The utmost attention should be focused on the improve- 
ment of production on the side of securing greater uniformity of 
the staple in the individual bales and in even-running commercial 
lots. 
The purpose of this bulletin is to discuss some of the objections 
current among manufacturers regarding the production, the textile 
qualities, and the utilization of Pima cotton as found during a co- 
operative investigation conducted by the Bureau of Plant Industry, 
Ihe Bureau of Agricultural Economics, and the Arizona Pima Cotton 
Growers. This information, made possible mainly through the 
cordial cooperation of manufacturers and cotton factors, will be of 
value not only to the growers who are in position to produce fiber 
of the best quality, but also may serve to reassure fine-yarn spinners 
of the possibilities of improved production of this variety. It is not 
deemed essential to discuss the superlative textile qualities of Pima 
cotton, but it is necessary to bring out the various manufacturing 
problems which when solved by adequate cooperation of the growers 
will give Pima cotton a better market status. 
Since the possibilities of these improvements have been brought to 
the attention of the growers, they are cooperating in plans for more 
careful growing and handling in order that fine spinners may have 
a more uniform type of cotton. 
