12. Report of the Agricultural Committee. 



nial Sugar maker only extracts 7 to 9 per cent from the 

 cane, which contains above 18 per cent of crystalliza- 

 ble sugar. That is, the former obtains, generally, upwards 

 of 60 to 70 per cent from his material, and the latter scar- 

 cely from 40 to 50. 



It is the object of the improved modern processes to place 

 the manufacture of Sugar from the cane on a par with 

 that frdm the beet, and with the operation of sugar refi- 

 ning in its most advanced state. 



Although there is a certain quantity of very fair sugar 

 made on the old principle in the Colony, yet there is verv 

 little of the very fine qualities, and a very considerable pro- 

 portion of very low; and it results from the foregoing sta 

 tements : 



1° That the value of Mauritius sugar is lower on the 

 average than that of most other sugar producing countries. 

 2° That these have manifested considerable considerable 

 eagerness to inquire into, and to adopt, any reported im- 

 provement in the process of manufacture. 



3. That greater progress has been made elsewhere in 

 ameliorating the art, especially in those slave countries 

 whose competition is most to be apprehended. 



Owing to the absence of sufficient positive data, the result 

 of Jocal experiments and experience, the Committee, be- 

 yond pointing to the superior quality of the sugar thus 

 produced, cannot yet enter in detail into the advantages 

 which are stated accrue from the use of the more perfected 

 appliances of modern science in the manufacture of sugar. 

 The learned authorities who advocate tbem, and their ex- 

 tensive practical adoption in other countries, speak strongly 

 in their favor; but there are in the Colony a sufficient nura- 

 ber of these machines, on different principles, to enable the 



