38 



has reached a consistency to be drawn off much of this mineral product 

 has become a sediment and can be taken out by straining the hot syrup 

 through a strainer of felt or several thicknesses of flannel, Makers 



Fig. 26. SKIMMER FOR REMOVING SCUM FROM BOILING SAP 



of syrup resort to other means of removing this sediment, the addition 

 of such agents as white of eggs, milk, baking soda, etc, being the 'prin- 

 cipal methods. An old sugar maker considers that one egg or 

 one half pint of milk is sufficient to cleanse twenty to twenty-five 

 pounds of sugar. It is a question whether or not these and similar 

 substances when added to syrup do not injure the keeping quality. 

 The more advanced makers are finding out that these are not so neces- 

 sary as they were thought to be. By the use of cleanly methods and 

 the proper handling of a modern equipment which includes felt strain- 

 ers the goods are turned out pure and clean and of good keeping 

 quality. 



SYRUP. 



Fig. 27. FELT SYRUP STRAINER 



The syruping off point is a delicate one upon which the greatest 

 care must be exercised. If not heavy enough the syrup will sour, 

 and if too heavy it will crystallize in the storage vessel. With careful 



