CANE SUGAR 



a longer period than 48 hours is taken in the fermentation, and then a 

 corresponding increase in the capacity of the vats must be allowed. A usual 

 size of vat found in the West Indies is one holding about 3000 gallons ; in 

 Scotch and English distilleries much larger vats are the rule and a capacity of 

 50,000 gallons is not unusual ; the initial cost of erecting a few large vats, and 

 a loft to contain them and cost of upkeep, is less than for a larger number of 

 small vats, and it is a general opinion that a slightly better fermentation is 

 obtained in larger vats. 



Antiseptics should find a larger use in distilleries, especially when shut 

 down ; all gutters, pipes, &c., should be carefully cleansed. The antiseptic 

 most in use in Europe now is a 1 per cent, solution of ammonium fluoride ; fresh 



FIG. 278. 



milk of lime is, however, an efficient cleanser and it will be found sufficient if 

 all vats and other places, which come in contact with sweets, be washed down 

 on ceasing operation with milk of lime. 



Forms of Stills. The stills used may be divided into two classes, 

 direct fired and steam stills, or again into intermittent or continuous stills. 

 Direct fired stills are very uncommon and only a few remain in unprogressive 

 districts ; they are constructed of copper and set in brickwork over a furnace 

 with a circular flue ; besides being expensive as regards first cost they are very 

 uneconomical in fuel consumption. 



528 



