MANUFACTURE OF MAPLE SAP. 



273 



^Is'believed that the quantity of sug^ar made is larger, when a 

 ■careful guar€ is kept up to prevent the sap, and particularly 

 "the syrup when graining, from rising, by the timely intro- 

 -duction of a piece of fat as above described. To form ^ judg- 

 'toent when the syrup is sufficiently boiled, take out with 

 quickness the stirring stick v/hich is constantly kept in the 

 boiler for the purpose of takiHg the proof, rub some of the sy- 

 rup off the lower end of it with the thumb, and if on applying the 

 finger thereto, it draws into a thread, it may be deemed in a 

 proper state to be laded icto a tub or cooler. Then it should 

 be forthwith, and incessantly stirred with a stick about 

 three inches broad, until the grain can be felt between the fin- 

 der and the thumb, v/hen it is in a fit state to be poured intd 



the moulds. 



It requires much practical information, and the exercise of 

 sound discretion, to determine from the different appearances 

 of the syrup in the time of boiling, the moment when some 

 material movements, or changes ought to be mad*. 



Claying, or wUttning the Sugar. To promote the molasses 

 passing more freely from the sugar, when draining in the 

 moulds, and to improve its color, in two or three days after the 

 moulds are unstopped at the lower end, mix white clay with 

 water, so as to reduce it to a thin mortar ; with this cover the ' 

 top of the moulds one inch and a half thick : when this cover- 

 ing appears dry, remove it, and supply the place with a fresh 

 covering of about two inches thick. 



Although it -16 apprehended the use of clay, as above set 

 forth, particularly in the latter part of the season, will be 

 found beneficial, it may, however, be. prudent to continue or 

 decline the practice, according to the effect or use it appears 

 to be of, on a careful trial ; the quantity of clay must be pro- 

 portioned to the manner in which the sugar has been boiled ; 

 if high boiled, it will require much more clay than if boiled 

 . lew. It is also thought the use ©f clay lessen the quantity of 



