200 FOREST TREES. 



Trees are sometimes supposed to average about four 

 pounds of sugar in a season, but frequently do not produce 

 more than half that quantity. A single tree discharges 

 in one day from two quarts, to two or three gallons of sap. 



The following statement appeared some years since 

 in the Greensburgh, Penn. Gazette. ' Having introduc- 

 ed,' says the writer, ' twenty tubes into a sugar maple, I 

 drew from it the same day, twentythree gallons and three 

 quarts of sap, which gave seven pounds and a quarter of 

 sugar. Thirtythree pounds have been made this season 

 from the same tree, which supposes one hundred gallons 

 of sap.' From this statement, it appears that but little 

 more than three gallons were required for a pound, though 

 four gallons are commonly allowed. 



Maple sugar is made in most of the northern and west- 

 ern States, and in Canada ; and it has been supposed 

 that New York and Pennsylvania contain maples enough 

 to supply the consumption of sugar in the whole of the 

 United States. But as a country becomes settled, the 

 groves and forests of maple disappear, and the expense of 

 converting the sap into sugar is increased ; so that the 

 whole country will, within a moderate period of time, be 

 supplied with this useful article in domestic economy, 

 from foreign importations, or from the juice of the cane 

 in our own country. 



Though the ease and abundance with which sugar is 

 made from the cane, and the expense of fuel to procure 

 it from the sap of the maple would not favor the cultiva- 

 tion of this stately and beautiful tree for the supply of our 

 tables, the value of its timber, and the elegant, and cleanly 

 f shade it furnishes, would probably render the cultivation 

 of it, especially by the sides of our roads, an article of 

 domestic and political economy, as well as a public orna- 

 ment and comfort. 



Most kinds of domestic animals are excessively fond of 

 the sap of the maple, and frequently break through their 

 inclosures to get access to the vessels containing it. 



If the sap be exposed for a few days to a warm sun, it 

 is formed into vinegar of a good quality. Maple beer, 

 which is a pleasant beverage, is also made from the same 

 material, by the addition of yeast and the essence of spruce. 



