l82 



CHAPTER X 



slide into the hopper. This apparatus is usually found arranged as a side 

 dump, but is also installed as an end dump. The power used may be 

 hydraulic, a cable hoist being usually operated by an electric motor or spur 

 and pinion gearing. 



The endless belt rake was first patented by Mallon (U.S. 583408, 1897), 

 and has been developed by other inventors. The form shown in Fig. 75 

 is that due to Gregg (U.S. patent 670176, 1901). In this device, which has 

 been largely used in Hawaii, the triangular frame carrying the rakes is allowed 

 to fall on to and to follow the load of cane. One side of the car has a drop 

 side swinging from below and forming a bridge from car to carrier. 



The reciprocating mechanical finger was patented originally by Walsh 

 (U.S. 628877, 1899). ^"d is indicated in Fig. 76. The mechanism allows a 

 reciprocating motion, and one around the point of suspension of the beam. 



Fig. 75 



This appliance, which has also been developed by other inventors, is very 

 extensively used in Hawaii. 



The Deterioration of Cut Cane. — After sugar cane has been cut it begins to 

 lose in weight through evaporation, and simultaneously a loss of sugar 

 occurs through inversion. Evidently the rate of loss of weight will depend 

 on the prevailing temperature and humidity. The rate of loss of sugar 

 will also depend on the temperature, and will most certainly obey the laws 

 of chemical change referred to in subsequent chapters, as is indeed indicated 

 by combining the results of the experiments quoted below. The initial 

 agent causing inversion of sugar is, as was shown by Browne and Blouin,^ 

 an enzyme that resides in the green top of the cane, and which after the stalk 

 has been cut diffuses into the body of the cane. Experiments made by them 

 in Louisiana gave the following results on canes that were " windrowed " 

 or preserved for subsequent planting by burying in the ground. The dura- 

 tion of the test was one month. 



