16 



The yield of merchantable starch of a high grade may be placed at 35 

 pounds per bushel, which, for 40 bushels would amount to 1,4GO pounds. 

 It is thus seen that the rate of yield per acre in the matter of starch 

 from cassava would be fully equal if not superior to that from Indian 

 corn. 



If the matter of the manufacture of glucose be considered the esti- 

 mate is even more favorable. Our experiments have shown that after 

 the removal of the bark the whole root may be rasped and treated 

 directly for the manufacture of glucose, either by inversion with dias- 

 tase or by treating with dilute sulphuric acid. In the latter case not 

 only were the starch and sugar present in the root obtained as glucose, 

 but also a considerable quantity of the digestible liber. It is not an 

 extravagant statement, therefore, to suppose that fully .30 per cent, on 

 the weight of the fresh root, could be obtained as commercial glucose. 

 This would give a yield per acre of 1.2 tons, or 2,400 pounds. These 

 statements are made, of course, subject to the practical determinations 

 of the manufacturer of glucose and starch from this plant. Attempts 

 have already been made in the manufacture of starch, but of course 

 the full development of this industry must await the investment 

 of capital and the necessary adjustment of new machinery to new 

 processes. 



The object of the present bulletin is simply to point out the possi- 

 bilities of the culture of cassava, not only for the farmer of Florida but 

 also for the manufacturer and merchant. 



In its preparation Mr. E. E. Ewell has conducted the chemical and 

 preparatory Avork and Mr. G. L. Spencer has taken the photographs. 



CONCLUSIONS. 



(1) Cassava can be cultivated with safety and profit ip the greater 

 part of the peninsula of Florida, and probably also in southern Ala- 

 bama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. 



(2) It will yield with fair treatment on the sand soils from 4 to 5 

 tons per acre. 



(3) It will give, when properly manufactured, from 20 to 25 per cent 

 of the weight of the fresh root in starch of high grade. 



(4) The starch is naturally in a pure state and no chemicals of any 

 kind are necessary in its manufacture. 



(5) The starch resembles in its physical properties the starch of 

 maize and can be used as a substitute therefor in all cases. 



(6) An excellent article of tapioca can be prepared from the starch 

 of the cassava plant. 



(7) Glucose can be prepared directly from the starch or more profit- 

 ably from the pulp of the peeled root. 



(8) The plant furnishes an excellent human and cattle food, defi- 

 cient, however, in nitrogen. It would make a well-balanced ration for 

 cattle when mixed with one-fourth its weight of cotton-seed oil cake. 



