i PART ITV.
Every boll is picked separately and the following characters are
recorded for each boll :—
Loculus number.
Seeds from loculus.
Weight of lint.
Weight of seeds.
Lint length.
For each plant Lint Index and Ginning outturn are worked out.
As a result of the analysis of the above observations the most
promising rows are selected for growing in 1 acre increase plots in
which 100 plants are selected at random for boll records and these are
taken as the mean of the plot. Lint from these plots is sent home
for spinning tests and if, the report is favourable the best strain is
grown in a large increase plot and also grown in a yield trial with
types in general cultivation. If results are satisfactory yield trials
are held at various sub-stations and then the strain is grown on in
bulk and eventually distributed to natives.
Cross Breeding.
Although the difficulty in dealing with larce F3 and F4
generations is realised, a few crosses are being followed up.
Apart from selection work, the question of yield improvement is
being tackled by means of field experiments, such as sowing date,
spacing and method of culture.
In the case of newly introduced varieties, progeny rows are grown
for several years and similar records to those mentioned above are
made.
Complete meteorological data are obtained and used for
correlating with observations on progeny rows.
The opportunity offered by the Conference for the discussion of
the technique of plant breeding and experimental work on Cotton was
made full use of by members of the Section.
The following subjects received special attention: —
1. The technique of field experiments;
2. The technique of plant breeding;
8. The keeping and utilisation of records;
4. The position with regard to cross breeding;
5. Methods for the economical multiplication of seed and its
distribution; . .
Treatment of seed before sowing;
7. Methods of Testing New and Improved Strains of Cotton in
different parts of the country;
5. Mass methods for improving or maintaining the quality of
Cotton in the districts:
y. Interchange of strains between African countries;
Be Introduction of varieties from countries outside Africa i
1:. Wild cotton in Africa.

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