PART TIT
this, multiplication plots are being arranged, both at headquarters and
at different places through the country to test one of Parnell’s strains
from Barberton, which, it is thought, may be suitable for widespread
distribution next year. A few other strains from Barberton, not yet
available on such a scale. will be tested and multiplied at
headquarters.
IV. Sournery RuoDESIA: Tar GOVERNMENT COTTON BREEDING
STATION AT GATOOMA.
The late commencement in making the preliminary arrangements,
 coupled with an unsatisfactory planting season, rendered the
first year’s work extremely difficult and it is just possible that too
much was attempted in the circumstances.
Work Undertaken during 1925-26 Seasons :
An area of 40 acres was put down to Improved Bancroft. Seed
from the best cotton crops in the country was used, and it was hoped
that it would be possible to rogue out a large number of improved seed
for distribution the following year. As this crop had to be replanted
at a very late date, however, the scheme was abandoned, owing to
the unsatisfactory yield which the crop produced.
An attempt was also made to carry out comparative trials of five
exotic varieties of cotton imported from the U.S.A., the local variety,
reputed Improved Bancroft, being used as a standard of comparison
in the trials. The exotic varieties under trial were the following: —
Acala.
Express.
Trice.
Tanguis.
Delfos.
These were grown in 1-20th acre plots and repeated four times.
Owing to the haste with which all work connected with the Station
had to be undertaken, it was not possible to pay due regard to
obtaining an ideal scatter, in order to obviate marginal effects.
‘Growth, flowering and bolling records were kept, while plant diagrams
were made of a number of plants of each variety together with
diagrams of other varieties which were grown in observation rows.
Meteorological Observations :
Rainfall and temperature records (max. and min.) were kept
from the commencement of the season, but additional records will be
kept in future now that the Station is equipped with the requisite
instruments such as a thermograph, barograph, wet and dry bulb
thermometers, and sunshine recorder.
Scientific Equipment :
A sum of £300 was voted for this purpose, but it was not
possible to utilise it all before the end of the financial year. Sanction
to carry over the grant to the following year was willingly accorded
by the Treasury and it is satisfactory to record that the Station is now
well equipped in this respect.
Programme of Work for 1926-27 :
This will not be decided upon definitely until it is known whether
the additional assistant Plant Breeder will arrive from the United
Kingdom in time to help with the lay-out and planting of next year’s
experiments.

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