Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1914-08-26


principle has not been understood. The
behavior of cotton under different con-
ditions is so variable that any farmer
might we'll hesitate to adopt method
OF culture suggested by an occasional
occurrence like the production Of a
larger crop on an unthinned row.
In each cotton-growing community
there are usually some farmers who
believe that cotton should be left
closer together, especially under con-
ditions that favor luXuriant growth.
Those who use narrow spacing may
boast Of phenomenal yields in some
seasons, but in other years they ap-
pear at disadvantage with their
neighbors. The possibility of making
safe combination of the two conflict
ing methods seems not to have been
suggested. The same conflict is shown
in the results of formal experiments to
determine the best planting distances
as in the popular opinions on the sub
ject. Wide spacing in the rows seemed
better in some cases and narrow spac-
ing in others. so that no definite con-
ciusions could be reached
The theory of wider planting has its
limitations as well as that of closer
planting. To reduce the number Of
plants by wider spacing in the rows
means longer period of time is re-
CURED to produce crop. This is
true because large. luXuriant plants do
not begin to produce flowers and bolls
as early as plants of more restricted
growth. 1t may seem more logical to
many that the plants making the most
rapid growth must produce the
earliest and largest crop, but this is
not true. Large, luXuriant plants are
later in setting and maturing crop
because the young plants of luxuriant
growth develop limbs producing no
bolls at the expense Of the lower fruit
ing branches necessary to the produc-
tion Of an early crop. The limbs of
cotton plant which produce no flowers
or bolls are called "vegetative branch
es," or wood limbs" to distinguish
them from the fruiting branches.
The row rather than the individual
plant must be considered as the unit
Under the system as recommended
The form of the row demands first at
tention and through improving it come
the advantages of the new method.
More plants are left in the rows, and
Jet injurious crowding is avoided.
Plants that have numerous vegetative
branches are more crowded at two or
three feet than plants with single
stalks at eight or ten inches. With the
vegetative branches controlled. the
spacing is no longer question of feet
but of inches. Rows spaced at six
inches have usually given better re-
suits than those at twelve inches or
any greater distance
The two features of the new system
deferred thinning and closer spac-
ing-must be properly combined in or
der to insure favorable result Most
ldl USilCNt lldl cllucI vi llleSb
changes will injure the crop, and the
danger is that they will try one change
without the other instead Of making a
complete break with previous theories
and methods. Until the principle of
branch control is understood it is diff
cult to believe that two apparently in
furious changes can have a beneficial
result.
Actual results of experiments are
given in the new bulletin and the in
telligent cotton raiser who IS sincerely
desirous to better conditions is ad-
vised to send for the pamphlet In f!
the departments news letters for
March II and April mention has al
ready been made OF the new system.