118 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE. 
SORGHUM SIRUP. 
Several samples of sirups from sorghum have been sent to the depart- 
ment for examination for the purpose of learning why they failed to 
crystallize. In every case it has been found that through some defect 
in the preparation of these sirups the sucrose or cane sugar had sutiered 
inversion to a very great extent, and thus prevented crystallization. 
One sample analyzed, from Mr. Constantine Merrelas, Brookhaven, 
Miss., polarized only 28.65°, while another, from Jacob Latshaw, Cedar- 
ville, Ill., polarized only 29°. 
This has been mainly the experience of the past quarter of a century 
with sirups from sorghum and from maize, and therefore the importance 
of the results obtained in the department and already furnished cannot 
be too highly emphasized, viz., that in not a single experiment was there 
a failure in securing good crystallization. 
MANNA OR FIR SUGAR. 
A specimen of so-called fir sugar was received from Joseph Schanno, 
Yakima, Washington Territory, through the Smithsonian Institution. 
Upon examination it proves to be a very excellent specimen of manna. 
Jt occurs as an exudation upon the branches of the fir trees, and is 
said to be so abundant as to break down the branches with its weight, 
which statement is perfectly credible after seeing the specimens sent for 
examination attached to the branches from which it had exuded. 
As to its composition, properties, and use, reference is made to the 
United States Dispensatory. 
ANALYSES OF TWO SIRUPS RECEIVED FROM JACOB LATSHAW, CEDAR- 
VILLE, ILL. 
One of these samples was an ordinary dark-colored sirup, while the 
other was of a light color. The composition is given below: 
Constituents. Dark sirup. | Light sirup. 
Per cent. Per cent, 
WSR sess vc Ss th dbase ccc week eels Shoe 17.90 21.34 
Ashssolu ble in, Waites cs ssgdbeocecer~scecews metwaneicess 2.18 . 59 
Ash; insoluble in water ..<.c.ccccesecccebcccecés sess ons] . 63 ool 
@ane sugar (sucrose)... .tceceecec sec ote dé vdwecasedees css = 20. 01 None. 
Hoateh sugar (Cloacdse) ici. wcewouewecitocwuswswecy ue cbsesde None. 77,41 
Inverted sugar...--- esesveryoeutenwsecds Wiese s tec ame cence 48. 69 None 
MSMUSIETIMINEH 2.25 paccn sceneries cine sic oo ene jane sen see ciew 1259 45 
100. 00 100. 00 
The above analysis shows the dark-colored sample to have been, as it 
purported to be, an ordinary sorghum sirup. The light-colored sample 
was not derived from sugar cane nor from any saccharine-producing 
pliant, but was probably made entirely from starch, being the substance 
known in commerce as starch sugar, or glucose. 
The substitution of these handsome artificial sirups for true molasses 
or sirup is much more common than has been supposed. If properly 
made there is no known reason why iueix use should be deleterious, but 
