-t2-t Bulletin 167 



sirup. The United States minimum is based on 395 samples, 

 representing all the important maple sugar producing sections. 

 Attention is called to the fact that the minimum for insoluble 

 ash for the entire United States is identical with the figure 

 twice obtained by different investigators on Vermont samples. 



The ash and malic acid value data of the sirups in this and 

 subsequent groups will be discussed primarily with a view of 

 comparing the data with the standards just enumerated. It 

 should be remembered that many of the samples discussed 

 in the following groups are exceptional as to inoculation and 

 manufacture. Such divergencies from the normal as were 

 found will be noted and reasons assigned for the deficiencies. 



The average total and insoluble ash contents of the group 

 on a moisture free basis are 0.77 and 0.36% respectively, with 

 variations for total ash from 0.61 to 1.25 and for insoluble ash 

 from 0.22 to 0.87%. "While the average of these 11 sirups is 

 normal as regards standards, yet in six cases the total ash is be- 

 low 0.77% (the Vermont standard) and in one case below the 

 United States minimum. The insoluble ash runs 0.01% low in 

 one instance, but in all others equals or exceeds the 0.23% figure. 



The malic acid value meets the standard in every instance, 

 the average figure obtained being 0.86 ' \ , with extremes of 1.56 

 and O.61 '/< . 



Attention is here called to the fact that, excepting Xos. 27. 

 58 and 68, the samples showing a low total ash had a relatively 

 small water content, and that in all cases the "niter"' had been 

 thoroughly removed by a full seven months' sedimentation. The 

 deficiencies occurring during 1910 and 191 1, if considered in con- 

 nection with color, flavor, and the remaining ash and malic acid 

 data, would not embarrass the analyst familiar with maple prod- 

 ucts. 



The undetermined column shows variations from 0.24 to 

 2.36, averaging r.45%, which is about the usual amount found 

 in the ordinary run of good grade maple sirups. 



