124 PART 111.
avoiding thinning by single seed planting is obvious, and methods of
assisting germination, protecting seedlings against insects, ete., are,
in consequence, of great importance. The matter is receiving general
attention and members of the Section have arranged to communicate
with one another when any definite results of their investigations have
materialised. The extent to which single seed multiplication can be
carried out will depend on local circumstances. In South Africa
where the holdings are extensive and where the growers are keenly
interested in obtaining superior seed as quickly as possible, fairly
large areas are to be sown in this way during the ensuing season;
where native cultivation is the rule such methods will be limited by
the size of such seed farms as are under European control. It is
equally necessary to avoid losses in the next stage of multiplication,
that is, after the seed has passed out of the hands of the first
multiplying agency. This brings up the whole question of the policy
affecting distribution. A sharp division of opinion on this subject was
apparent in the discussions; some members supporting concentration
on the large block system, others advocating a system of distribution
in small’ quantities over a large area. Except in Uganda, no
distribution system appears to have been fully tested in South and
East Africa. The matter will doubtless be solved in the manner best
suited to the countries concerned.
6. TREATMENT OF SEED BEFORE SOWING.
This question was brought up with special reference to the
sulphuric acid treatment for de-linting. In view of the conflicting
experiences of various members of the Section in the use of this
process and the work regarding the effects of various seed treatments
on the subsequent growth of the plant (vide Kidd and West), it was
considered advisable that the subject should be fully investigated by
some central institution, if local investigation proved insufficient.
7. MgzrHODS OF TESTING NEW AND IMPROVED STRAINS OF COTTON IN
DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.
The difference between cotton cultivation in South Africa, where
the growers were non-native, and in Nyasaland, Tanganyika, and
Uganda, was discussed in detail; the question of regular supervision
and large scale tests was examined and the advantage of having
Agricultural officers of the district in charge of Experimental plots was
brought to light.
The Section was of opinion that it was no good arranging for
tests and records unless these were accurately carried out and that
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 at any rate at intervals of 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 kent.
8. Mass METHODS FOR IMPROVING OR MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF
CorTOoN IN THE DISTRICTS.
In this connection a paper was read by the Director of Agriculture.
Tanganyika, in which he described methods of : —
(a) Selection of suitable plants as sources of seed—the processes -
being repeated in successive seasons;