REPORT OF COUNT BEAUREGARD. 267 
it in the Derosne apparatus, and obtain in alcohol “3/6” of an 
agreeable taste, reminding one somewhat of kirsch, almost as strong 
per cent. as the juices indicated of degrees on the Beaumé glucometer, 
say usually from eight to ten per cent. 
This result, which I invariably obtained since my change of system, 
seems to me of such a nature as to give confidence to those who, up to 
this time, have not dared to undertake the cuiture of the sorgho, and 
also to favor the establishment of distilleries, where the profitable 
manufacture, on a large scale, of the crops brought in by the farmers 
of the neighborhood can be undertaken. 
But in this regard, gentlemen, and to enlighten those who would be 
tempted to organize an enterprise of this nature, I believe it is useful 
to add some words on the method I have employed up to this time, to 
extract the juice of the cane. By mentioning the advantages and dis- 
advantages of my process, I can enable others to profit by the experi- 
ence, and do better. 
You already know, gentlemen, that to extract the juice of the canes, 
I pass them between plate cylinders, as is done in the colonies with 
tropical sugar cane. This mode of extraction, sanctioned by long 
custom, has seemed to me, more prudent to use at first; but in order 
that none of the juice may be Jost, it is requisite to key up the cylin- 
ders very closely, which requires the employment of a strong motive 
power. 
When the operator can make use of a strong and natural force, a 
fine waterfall, for instance, the inconvenience which we notice is no 
longer met with; but if this cannot be obtained, it would be well to 
try some other mode of extraction, requiring less motive power. A 
crusher, a stalk or straw cutter, or other similar instruments, can ac- 
complish the end desired. | 
The state in which the canes are found, according to the mode 
adopted for dividing them, will naturally necessitate particular ar- 
rangemenpts in the work for the extraction of the juice, their fermenta- 
tion and their distillation ; but this is not the place to enter into the 
details of ‘the subject. I wish simply to guard you against the idea 
that the crushing cylinders will be found to be, in all circumstances, 
