208 BEET ROOT SUGAR. 



quantity is preferable to a larger. So far as is this 

 from being the case, that it is considered better to use 

 too much than too little; for though an excess of this 

 alkali is prejudical to the sugar, it is always less so 

 than an insufficient quantity. The observations of 

 the workmen cannot be too frequently taken during 

 the process of defacating. A clear liquor and a 

 perfect precipitation are the main objects to be ac- 

 complished. 



a The beet juice, when it comes from the press, is 

 of a milky hue and yet dingy. When heated the 

 scum and froth rise;- but as soon as the lime is added, 

 the black dirty color disappears by degrees, and 

 abundance of flakes are seen in the liquor. These 

 flakes are usually of a yellowish grey color ; when 

 the proportion of lime is sufficient , they seperate 

 from the liquid and sink to the bottom. When arri- 

 ved at this stage of the defacation, the fire must be 

 withdrawn, and the boiler left to itself for an hour or 

 two that the whole may settle properly. The cock 

 placed just above the bottom of the boiler should be 

 opened to draw off the liquor clear. The juice is 

 then conveyed to the evaporating pans, of which 

 more hereafter. Care should be taken to watch the 

 liquor as it runs off, lest any part should become thick 

 and turbid, especially towards the end; so soon as 

 this is perceived, the cock should be closed and the 

 lower one opened, that the residuum may pass 

 through the filtre. When this is all drawn off, the 

 boiler is ready for a fresh charge. 



