194 



CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 



her 30, 1835, the aggregate amount was six hundred and sixty- 

 four million three hundred and seventy-one thousand five hun- 

 dred and eight pounds. The quantity imported for the year 

 ending September 30, 1837, was one hundred and thirty-six 

 million one hundred and forty-one thousand three hundred 

 and thirty-two pounds; and all this is exclusive of the home 

 manufacture, that from the cane alone amounting to one hun- 

 dred thousand hogsheads per annum, besides that made from 

 other materials. The quantity of sugar exported for the year 

 ending 1837, according to the treasurer's report, was forty-one 

 million fifty-nine thousand seven hundred and ten pounds, of 

 all kinds. The quantity of molasses imported during the year 

 1837, was sixteen million four hundred and fifty-one thousand 

 one hundred and eighty-two gallons. 



These facts are cited simply to show to the farmer residing 

 within the zone of the maple, that sugar, which is one of the 

 most nourishing substances in nature, will always be in de- 

 mand; and that, inasmuch as sugar from the maple is easily 

 fabricated requires no attention except at the time of manu- 

 facturing that with care in its manufacture and after processes 

 it may be rendered equal to the best productions of the cane or 

 beet, command a fair price, and of course be rendered profita- 

 ble that it is the interest of the farmer to protect the trees now 

 remaining, and also to set out others, as described in the pre- 

 ceding paragraphs. While doing this, he not only adds greatly 

 to the beauty of his domain, but also to its prospective value. 

 Besides, the sugar is made usually at a season in which it does 

 not interfere with the ordinary operations of the farm. 



The fabrication of sugar from the sap of the maple, is a sim- 

 ple process. But the whole business should be managed with 

 the utmost cleanliness. A great objection heretofore urged 

 against the use of it generally, and which has for years past 

 given it a bad repute, is the very slovenly manner in which it 

 is manufactured and its dark and dirty appearance would 

 deter many from purchasing. There has been much bad prac- 

 tice and wrong management. But it does not follow that it 

 must necessarily continue. 



The process of fabricating the sugar, according to the most 

 approved method, is thus stated by the Hon. ISAAC HILL, of 

 New Hampshire. 



The work begins usually about the first of March. The tree will yield the 

 liquid long before vegetation appears from the bud: frequently the most co- 

 pious flow is before the snow disappears from the ground. The clear day fol- 

 lowing a night of freezing is the best time for running sap. Some persons have 

 a camp in their maple orchards where large cauldrons are set in which to boil 

 down the sap to the consistency of a thick syrup: others take the liquid to their 

 houses and there boil down and sugar off. The process begins by the prepa- 



