CITEUS DISEASES. 113 



pan method of sugar making have been used successfully in a num- 

 ber of instances. On a large scale an upright 5-horsepower boiler 

 supplying steam to a number of 50-gallon barrels works very well. 

 Plans for the erection of a lime-sulphur plant of any size are avail- 

 able, and can be supplied to anyone wishing them. Wliatever the 

 type of cooking outfit used the size of each batch should be sufficient 

 to fill it not over two-thirds full, for othei-wise there is danger of 

 the solution boiling over the top. 



Preparation. — Weigh out the required amounts of lime and sul- 

 pliir (it is essential that the weighing be accurate in order to ob- 

 tain the proper ratio), and place the former in the kettle or boiler 

 with sufficient water to slack it. Start the fire beneath the boiler 

 at the same time, and as soon as the slacking process is well under 

 way, add the sulphur, either dry or as a paste. Better results, how- 

 ever, ^vill be obtained if it is stirred up with water first to form 

 a thin paste and all lumps broken up. A sifter or screen will help 

 in this latter regard. When the two ingredients are thoroughly 

 mixed and the slacking is completed, add enough water to bring 

 up to the total amount required (50-60 gallons). If steam is used, 

 no further additions are necessary, but otherwise wat^ must be 

 added from time to time, to make up for evaporation. Tf desired, 

 the sulphur paste may be placed in the boiler first, followed by the 

 water, and finally the lime. Results will be the same. 



Stirring is quite essential, particularly during the first half of 

 the boiling. Care sliould be taken to break up all lumps of sulphur. 

 Working over open kettles will necessitate the use of goggles, the 

 fumes and sulphur particles being injurious to the eyes. To main- 

 tain the proper volume a measuring stick adapted to the particular 

 cooker in use will be found desirable. 



The time required for boiling will vary somewhat, but is ap- 

 proximately an hour, or until the sulphur granules are all dissolved. 

 To ascertain whether this point has been reached, take a sample 

 and pour from one container to another, observing closely. If at 

 the proper stage the solution will be of a dark-red color and free 

 of sulphur granules. Too much or too little boiling will increase 

 the amount of sediment, but of the two the latter exreme is prefer- 

 able. 



The soluion (concentrate) may be diluted and used immediately, 

 or may be stored for future use. In either case it should be strained 

 to remove the sediment, using a screen of from 30 to 40 meshes to 

 the inch. The sludge which passes through is not objectionable. 



