All that the government and the Agricultural Society, through their agents, can do is to point out the inevitable damage that will result from this strain. Beyond that, they can do nothing. There is a wider field for action in directing attention to the selection of good seed. Last year, the Agricultural Society distributed selected seed sufficient to plant about ten thousand feddans. It was stipulated that the seed produced from this should be sold back to the Society at a certain price above the price of ordinary seed. In this way, seed sufficient to plant 750,000 feddans has been produced and will be sold to farmers at its cost. Mr. Foden, the Secretary of the Agricultural Society, writes: "It is gratifying that the seed has turned out well, according to the unanimous opinion of the farmers, and it is hoped that this will put a stop to some of the pressure on the seed. Experiments in breeding and growth, along with the experiments of the Society's laboratory, will be published, revealing facts that will help clarify this important issue."

The Department of Dominions has placed a quantity of well-selected seed at the disposal of the Society, sufficient to plant 20,000 feddans. This area will be used to extract seed from this year.

The remainder of the Agricultural Department has continued its study of the fungus that spoils a large quantity of seed. It has reached a conclusion of general value. This fungus is the cause of most of the damage to the seed, which was previously attributed to weather conditions and other ailments. It is often necessary to re-sow cotton fields, which is detrimental not only because of the increased labor required but also because of its effect on the yield. If this fungus could be eradicated, this would be unnecessary. A cheap method is now being considered that can be implemented to combat this fungus and will be tested on a large scale in the next planting season. The aforementioned remainder has also begun studying the issue of cotton inheritance and another important matter. The results it has reached will be published in the annual book issued by the Agricultural Society.

Attention has finally turned to the question of the quantity of cotton that can be produced in the world. There is no doubt that the question of the extent to which Egyptian cotton yields can be increased is of particular concern to Egypt. In my previous report (page 51), I demonstrated that any adjustment in the balance of trade between Egypt and Europe must involve an increase in exports from Egypt in lieu of a decrease in imports from Europe. Therefore, I decided to investigate the future of Egyptian cotton production. It goes without saying that I cannot claim absolute accuracy for the results I have reached after consulting with various groups and knowledgeable individuals in the country.