SOURCES OF SUGAR. 25 



frequently occurred iu the earlier eflTorts in making commercial glucose, 

 Avhere the fluid syrup, after standing a short time, Avas found to have 

 been entirely changed into a solid mass of crystals of hydrated 

 glucose. 



Lactose is easily obtained crystallized, although the form of its 

 crystals, its comparative insolubility, and its low sweetening power, 

 will enable one to readily distinguish it from either of the other sugars 

 mentioned. 



It is also to be observed, that each of these sugars are composed only 

 of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen ; the last two elements existing always 

 in the proportion to form water, and hence the name carb-hydrates 

 which has been applied to compounds of this class. Since, now, these 

 three elements exists in the atmosphere in inexhaustible quantity, it will 

 be seen that the production of sugar need necessarily never result in 

 the exhaustion of the soil. 



This matter will be hereafter discussed. 



SOURCES OF SUGAE. 



It has been already stated that cane sugar, or sucrose, is found in 

 the juices from the stalks of the sugar-cane, maize, sorghum, and many 

 similar plants ; also in the juices of the beet root, the sap of the sugar 

 maple, and of many species of the palm. It is, besides, a constituent 

 of honey, and of fruits. 



A comparatively small amount is obtained from the palm, while the 

 maple sugar is an article of local consumption. 



It is estimated that, in 1850, there was exported of palm sugar 

 10,000 tons from that portion of North-eastern India lying near the 

 mouths of the Ganges. About 20,000 tons of maple sugar is pro- 

 duced annually in the United States, in 18 states. 



The commercial supply, however, of this important product, is ob- 

 tained almost exclusively from two sources, viz : the several varieties 

 of the sugar-cane, and the beet root, the former furnishing about 62 

 per cent, and the latter 38 per cent of the world's sugar. 



The actual production of cane sugar in tons in the years 1875, 6, 7, 

 8, 9, 80, was as follows : 



1875 1878. 

 From Susar-cane 3,395,478 From Sugar-cane. 3,395.478 



•• Beets 1,168,281 " " Beets 1,398,051 



1876 1879. 

 From Sua;ar-cane 3,292,137 From Sugar-cane. 3,550 390 



•• Beets 1,350,731 " " Beets 1,549,224 



1S77 1880 



From Sugar-cane 3,337.410 From Sugar-cane 2,327,000 



" Beets 1,103,466 " " Beets 1,670,000 



Note— See Appendix. 



