ENCLOSURE TO PART III. 
13. Mgeraops oF TeEsTING NEW AND IMPROVED STRAINS OF COTTON IN 
DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. 
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Milligan) referred to a note by Mr. 
Sampson on this question (T.C.(C)Cot.4)*. He considered that the 
difficulties mentioned did not apply to South Africa, where the cotton 
growers were non-native, but probably rather to Nyasaland, Tangan- 
yika, and Uganda; in fact, the difficulties mentioned would probably 
apply to all countries with native growers. 
Mr. DUCKER said that for any real tests it was essential to have 
white men for regular supervision; so far he had been unable to 
conduct any large scale tests, but he aimed at working up to tests on 
a commercial scale. 
Mr. WOOD said that in Tanganyika the conduct of tests was 
difficult; there were few missionaries, and the few planters there were 
not prepared to arrange for trials in addition to their own work. In 
Swaziland he had given payment for tests and this had been 
satisfactory. =~ He thought that the only solution was to have 
Agricultural Officers of the district in charge of experimental plots. 
Mr. NYE said that the problem was easier in Uganda; each district 
had a small plantation under the supervision of the Agricultural officer, 
where tests could be carried out. It was, however, impossible to 
arrange for records on plots all over the country; these must be taken 
at certain selected places. 
The Section was of opinion : — 
That it was no good arranging for tests and records unless 
these were accurately carried out; any such tests should be 
carried out under the supervision of the Agricultural Department. 
Inspections, with notes, should be made as frequently as possible, 
and, in any case, at intervals not greater than one month; 
regular periodic pickings should also be made, if possible. 
Where sufficiently competent men were in charge, meteorological 
records should also be kept. 
NOTES ON COTTON BREEDING. 
The section examined the question of Cotton breeding in detail 
and discussed the methods adopted in the various Territories. The 
members of the Section prepared the notes given below on the 
different systems used. 
Nyasaland. 
From a large collection of types, obtained both locally and from 
abroad, a number of promising strains of cotton have been retained 
for growing and examination in the current season, 1925-26. 
These strains fall into two main groups as regards their staple 
lengths, the one with staples about 1 1-16th inches, the other with 
staples about 1 3-16th inches. Tt is not yet known to what extent 
they differ in other characteristics considered generally. 
* See appendix. 
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