15 



COMMERCIAL VALUE OF THE PRESS CAKi;. 



The samples of press-cake sent to \Vashingtoii for analysis readied 

 there in such a damaged condition that it was useless to analyze them, 

 hence the value of the cake is based on last season's determinations. 1 



Total weight of press-cake 145,200 pounds, or 72.G tons of L'.nnn 

 pounds each. The total value at $10.04 per ton is $772.46. 



PRESSURE-REGULATOR FOR FILTER-PRESSES. 



In order to do good work with the presses it is essential to maintain 

 a regular pressure, free from sudden changes or shocks. This can IM 

 accomplished by several methods, but the simplest and one as reliable 

 as any other is the following, devised some years since by Mr. O. B. 

 Stillman: 



This apparatus consists of a pump (Blake or other suitable pattern), 

 an air-tight receiver similar to an ordinary montejus in shape, and a 

 damper-regulator. 



In the bottom of the receiver there is a central depression. The dis- 

 charge-pipe from the pump connects directly with the receiver j the feed- 

 pipe to the presses passes through the top of the receiver and dip 

 the central depression ; connection with the damper-regulator is made 

 by means of a small tube leading from the top of the receiver. The 

 lever of the regulator is connected with the steam-inlet to the pump. 

 The operation of the apparatus is as follows : 



The pump is started and forces the liquor into the receiver, whence 

 it passes through the feed-pipe to the presses. When the pressure ex- 

 ceeds that required the lever on the regulator raises and partly or en- 

 tirely closes the steam-inlet to the pump, and as soon as the pressure 

 falls below the limit the steam valve is automatically opened. 



The use of this apparatus relieves the press-man from the necessity 

 of regulating the pump. The pressure increases or decreases gradually, 

 hence the presses work to the best advantage. This device is employed 

 at the Soledad Estate, near Cienfuegos, Cuba, and gives perfect satis 

 faction. 



ANALYSES OF SUGARS. 

 TABLE V. First sugars. 



Thru.. I'.iillrtili No. 11, p.H. 



