SUGAR MAPLE. 87 
practical utility. In a country like the United States, intersected by canals, 
railroads, and other channels of intercommunication, where labour is expensive, 
and fuel is becoming more and more valuable, the manufacture of this article 
cannot fail to be an unprofitable occupation. Besides, the annual drawing of 
the sap renders the trees sickly, and causes a premature decay. 
Ordinarily, the sap begins to flow about the last of February or early in 
March, and continues for five or six weeks ; after which, it becomes less abun- 
dant, less rich in saccharine matter, and, at length, is incapable of crystalliza- 
tion. It is sometimes the case, however, in the northernmost regions where this 
tree abounds, that there is an ascent of sap in autumn, as well as in spring. 
This only occurs late in the season, when there are slight frosts at night, suc- 
ceeded by warm, pleasant days. The sugar produced from this sap, when 
properly made, is equal to that manufactured from the cane, or the beet-root, 
the properties of the three being essentially the same. That of the maple, as it 
is usually made, has a peculiar taste, which is much relished by those who 
are unaccustomed to its use. The amount of sugar produced from each 
ree, in a year, varies from different causes. A cold and dry winter renders the 
trees more productive than a changeable and humid season. It is observed, 
that, when a frosty night is followed by a dry and sunny day, the sap flows 
abundantly ; and two or three gallons are sometimes yielded by a single tree, in 
twenty-four hours ; but, in cold, frosty weather, or rainy weather, or when the 
nights are mild, the sap almost ceases to flow. The yearly product of sugar 
from each tree varies from two to four pounds. Trees which grow in low and 
moist places afford a greater quantity of sap than, those which occupy rising 
grounds ; but it is less rich in the saccharine principle. That of isolated trees, 
left standing in the middle of fields, or by the sides of fences, is best. It is also 
remarked, that, in districts which have been cleared of other trees, and of the 
less vigorous sugar maples, the product of the remainder is proportionably 
greater. In the United States and the British provinces of North America, 
there is annually made, from seven million to twelve million pounds of sugar 
from this tree. Holes are made through the bark into the wood of the trunk, in 
March, April, and May, into which tubes are introduced to lead the juice into 
vessels placed below. It is observed that the higher the holes are from the 
ground, the more saccharine the juice, and the more injury the tree receives from 
its abstraction. Towards the end of the season, when the sap becomes uncrys- 
tallizable, it is either made into molasses or syrup, or is exposed for two or three 
days to the sun, when it is converted into vinegar, by the acetous fermentation 
It is also sometimes made into a kind of beer. 
Wild, and domestic animals are inordinately fond of maple juice, and break 
through their enclosures to sate themselves ; and when taken by them in large 
quantities, it has an exhilarating effect upon their spirits. 
From the great height, extended branches, regular and often pyramidal form, 
and the rich verdure and cleanliness of the foliage in spring and summer, the 
sugar maple is accounted as one of our finest shade-trees, and is highly recom- 
mended to be planted along streets and avenues, in pastures, and ornamental 
grounds. And it is no less beautiful in our forest or woodland scenery, in 
autumn, when it puts on its bright-orange, and deep-crimson robes. At first, the 
extremities of the boughs alone change their colour, leaving the internal and more 
sheltered parts still in their verdure, which " gives to the tree the effect of great 
depth of shade, and displays advantageously the light, lively colouring of the 
sprays." Later in the season, on the contrary, when the tints become more and 
more gorgeous, and the full beams of the sun-shine fall upon the large masses 
of foliage, the warm and glowing colours of the whole summit possess a great 
deal of grandeur, and add much to the beauty and effect in the landscape. 
