This was a fun 'thread' to read. My first time to see cotton fields was as a child when parents drove us from Eastern Colorado to relatives in Texas for Christmas in mid 50's. We stopped and Dad picked us each a boll. I imagine it was just the leftovers since I would think that by Dec. everything had already been picked. I do remember the stem being fairly hard and scratchy. Amazing the history our country has. I am glad there are still some cotton growers. At least everything hasn't been out-sourced.