



SECT. II. SUGAR. 3Q1 



a substitute for colonial sugar, though it is not so 

 sweet or agreeable to the taste. 



The root of Beta vulgaris, or common Beet, 

 yields also, by boiling and evaporation, a sugar 

 which is distinguished by a peculiar and slightly 

 bitter taste, owing perhaps to the presence of a bitter 

 extractive matter which has been found to be one of 

 the constituents of the Beet. 



Sugar has been extracted from the following vege- 

 tables also, or from their productions : From the 

 sap of the Birch, Sycamore, Bamboo, Maize, Pars- 

 nep, Cow-parsnep, American Aloe, Dulse, Walnut- 

 tree, and Cocoa-nut-tree ; from the fruit of the com- 

 mon Arbutus, and other sweet tasted fruits ; from 

 the roots of the Turnip, Carrot, and Parsley ; from 

 the flower of the Euxine Rhododendron ; and from 

 the nectary of most other flowers. 



The utility of sugar as an aliment is well known ; Uses. v 

 and it is as much relished by many animals, as by 

 man. By bees it is sipped from the flowers of 

 plants under the modification of nectar, and con- 

 verted into honey ; and also seems to be relished by 

 many insects even in its concrete state ; as it is also 

 by many birds. By man it is now regarded as being 

 altogether an indispensable, and though used chiefly 

 to give a relish or seasoning to food, is itself highly 

 nutritive. It is also of much utility in medicine, 

 and celebrated for its anodyne and antiseptic quali- 

 ties, as well as thought to be peculiarly efficacious 

 in preventing diseases by worms. 



