68 VINEGAR, CIDER, AND FRUIT- WINES. 



dry state they would rise above the generators as soon as moist- 

 ened, on account of the increase in volume by swelling. 



In most factories it is customary simply to pour the shavings 

 into the generator, but for a uniform distribution of the alcoholic 

 fluid it is advisable to proceed with the filling in a certain order. 

 First place the shavings in three or four regular layers upon the 

 lath-bottom, then pour them in loosely to a height of 8 to 12 

 inches, and after levelling the surface as much as possible pour in 

 again, and continue in this manner until the generator is filled ; 

 the uppermost portion should again consist of three or four regu- 

 lar layers. 



All the generators used in a vinegar factory should be of the 

 same size and charged with the same number of shavings, which 

 is best effected by filling them with the same quantity by weight. 

 The total surface of shavings being thus nearly the same in all 

 generators, the latter will work uniformly, i. <?., with an equal 

 temperature and draught of air ; and in the same time convert 

 equally large quantities of alcohol into acetic acid. 



CHAPTER VII. 



ARRANGEMENT OF A VINEGAR FACTORY. 



THE arrangement of the manufacturing rooms formerly custo- 

 mary even in large factories is by no means a suitable one. The 

 generators were generally simply placed in a room adapted for the 

 purpose by its size, while the high temperature required was 

 sought to be maintained by heating. By considering, however, 

 that every considerable variation in the temperature causes also a 

 disturbance in the formation of vinegar, it will be seen that the 

 object of keeping up an undisturbed working of the factory can- 

 not be attained by such primitive means. A suitable arrange- 

 ment of the room in which the vinegar is to be manufactured is, 

 therefore, absolutely necessary. 



The principal requisites to be observed are : the maintenance 

 of a uniform temperature in the room and a suitable arrangement 



