EXPERDrEXTS !>' SUGAR MAXUFACTLTIE, ETC. 513 



are alike, l>otli Avith reference to the total amount of gross values pro- 

 duced and the relative economy of each method, "with respect to cost 

 of production, referred to the net product. Thus, in both instances, 

 they stand as follows: 8, -J-8, 5, 3, 2, 1, 4; the method 8 giving the 

 best and 4 the poorest, proving that the rules indicated by scientific 

 investigation are substantiated by the results of practical experience. 

 From these data we may conclude, therefore, that vacuum apparatus, 

 when properly combined with suitable clarifying appurtenances, will 

 always give the most satisfactory returns, and, in the increased value 

 of the product, will, in a short period, repay the original first cost. 



EXPERIMEX'TS IX SUGAR MAXUFACTURE AT THE DEPAETMEXT OF 

 AGEICULTUF.E AT WASHIXGTOX. 



In connection with the laboratory investigations which have been 

 conducted upon the sorghum and maize plants during the past few 

 years at the Department of Agriculture, there have been made, notably, 

 during the seasons of 1880 and 1881, a series of experiments with ref- 

 erence to the production of sugar from these plants up^n a scale of 

 commercial importance. A careful record was made of each detail of 

 these several experiments, and, in view of the importance, practically and 

 scientifically, of the results obtained, this record is worthy of very care- 

 ful study on the part of those contemplating any attempt at sugar 

 making. 



This is the more important, since the results of these practical experi- 

 ments at Washington have been the subject of such ignorant miscon- 

 ception and willful representation, that it is possible the head of the 

 department felt himself justified in his efforts to invest with ridicule and 

 becloud with doubts every eflTort on the part of those seeking to estab- 

 lish an important industry. 



The experiments made at the Department of Agriculture were those 

 of the " small mill " and the " large mill," as they were for convenience 

 designated. 



The " small mill" consisted of a " Victor mill," with a capacity of 

 from 40 to 50 gallons of juice per hour, defecator, and evaporator, the 

 latter being an open pan of galvanized iron without partitions. This 

 form was desirable, since each lot of juice defecated was converted into 

 syrup, collected, weighed, and analyzed. Direct heat was used in both 

 defecation and evaporation in the small mill. 



The "large mill" consisted of mill, defecators, sulphur box, filters, 

 evaporators, vacuum pan, cars, mixer, and centrifugal. Steam was 

 used throughout in the operations of the large mill. 

 33 



