Four separate studies conducted in 1982 at Weslaco, TX were used to compare fruiting characteristics, earliness, lint cotton yield, and fiber quality of four cotton cultivars - Stoneville 213, McNair 220, G&P 3774, and a rapid fruiting strain, D-3. The four tests were planted within a 7-day time period in early March and final yields were harvested at 148 to 156 days after planting. Plant populations (100,000 to 120,000 plants/ha) and insect control practices were similar for all tests. All tests were replicated four times in randomized complete block experimental designs.