PART 111. :
(b) Selection of seed in bulk from areas where good crops have
been obtained. (Co-terminously with this work, selection along the
lines described above in (a) is carried out in every season.)
(¢) A third method, viz., mass introduction of seed of desirable
type from countries or districts of similar climate, due precautions
being taken against the introduction of insect pests;
(d) Mass selection of seed on the assumption that fuzziness in
the seed is associated with superior lint.
The Section agreed that, in the absence of plant breeding in the
strict sense of the term, the Director of Agriculture, Tanganyika, had
no alternative to mass selection. The question of mass selection had
already been discussed when it was agreed that mass selection must be
considered only as a temporary method during the time necessary to
establish pure strains.
With regard to selection of seed on appearance, it was considered
that the success of the procedure suggested would depend on whether
the fuzziness of the seed in the mixture dealt with was really
associated with good quality lint. This was a matter for investigation,
and could not be accepted without actual trials. The experience of
most members of the Section was that no linkage existed between
fuzziness and good quality lint.
A. INTERCHANGE OF STRAINS BETWEEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES.
Three points were brought out in discussion :—
(a) The desirability of information regarding existing or new
strains being available in a readily accessible form
(b) The necessity for guarding against the loss of a strain which
might at the moment not appear useful, but which, owing to some
special characteristic, at a later date might become valuable;
(¢) The question of nomenclature of strains.
With regard to (a) it was agreed that the Empire Cotton Growing
Corporation be asked to prepare and publish a list, which should be
kept up to date by the issue of supplements, of all varieties and
strains of cotton in cultivation throughout the world, with a
description of the characteristics of each variety and the conditions
under which it was grown.
(b) It was recommended that cotton breeders in their reports
should give details of such strains as they were themselves rejecting,
but which, owing to special characteristics, might be of value to
others; small stocks of such seed should be stored locally against
further requirements.
(¢) Uniformity of nomenclature of strains in Africa was
considered desirable. So far as South and Bast Africa were
concerned, it was considered that new productions should be
distinguished by the name of the producing station followed by a
distinguishing number, or letter, or both.
10. INTRODUCTION OF NEW VARIETIES FROM COUNTRIES OUTSIDE AFRICA.
It was considered that much benefit would accrue from the
broadening of the basis for selection by the introduction of promising
varieties from outside, especially from America. It was stated that
the difficulty in obtaining suitable varieties through the usual channels

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