176, 177] Preliminary Treatment of Roots 



113 



lated by difference. Therefore we estimate the crude fibre 

 directly and the juice by difference, analysing samples of both. 



176. Estimation of Crude Fibre. — When the roots 

 are split up into eighths, a section of each is taken for this 

 estimation. The portions, however, are not weighed, but are 

 rubbed down on a bread-grater as rapidly as possible, so as to 

 obtain a pulp before any evaporation has taken place. When 

 a sufficient amount has been pulped, 

 about 1,000 grams are weighed out 

 on a large clock glass, transferred 

 to a linen bag, and placed in a 

 press. The object of this press is 

 to get a fair sample of the juice. 

 It has been found by experiment 

 that the first portions of the juice 

 to be squeezed out are very slightly 

 different from the last ; hence al- 

 though • for very accurate analyses 

 it is necessary to squeeze out most 

 of the juice, still, should a powerful 

 press be unobtainable, a very good 

 result may be got by pressing out 

 a small amount of the liquid. 



177. An ordinary cheese press 

 may be utilised for separating the 

 juice, if a little extra apparatus be 

 added to it. Fig. 43 shows a press, on the table of which is 

 placed a cylinder, a, to hold the pulp. Into this is fitted a 

 plunger, b. Around the bottom part of the cylinder holes are 

 drilled to allow the juice to escape. 



The linen bag containing the weighed quantity of pulp is 

 squeezed in the press until as much juice as possible has been 

 obtained. The juice is collected in wide-mouthed bottles, and 



1 



Fig. 43. 



