25 



Analyses of final molanscs. 



The exceptionally fine record made by Calumet is worthy of more 

 than passing notice. As mill work it is unprecedented, having sur- 

 passed anything which has heretofore been thought possible. The ex- 

 traction of juice was not phenomenally high, though after mascer- 

 ation was began it was much above the average, but the manipulation 

 of the juice after it was once secured was remarkably good. The 

 machinery was well arranged and worked admirably, and to the ar- 

 rangement is due much of the credit, as it allowed an ease and speed in 

 working which otherwise could not have been attained. 



The one noticeable mechanical loss was at double effect. The loss 

 here was larger than thought possible, but the most careful measure, 

 ment and analyses of the material, both before and after entering the 

 double effect, only confirmed the disappearance. During the campaign 

 30,431 pounds, or 1.97 per cent., of the sucrose extracted disappeared at 

 this place. A portion of this loss is really due to the press-cake, but 

 as this was carefully lixiviated from two to three hours all through the 

 campaigns, the sucrose lost in this way was but a small amount. No 

 analyses of cake were made, as the presses gave no trouble whatever 

 at any time, and the other work was thought to be more important. 

 Steps have been taken to stop this loss during the next campaign. A 

 Helix separator is to be attached to the condenser pipe, and it is ex- 

 pected that this will arrest the spray and return it to the pan. 



From the sirup to the final product it is hard to see how the work 

 could be improved. The most noticeable feature, and the one, I think, 

 to which the high yield may be attributed, was the remarkable stiffness 

 to which the inassecuites were boiled. In all grades of the material as 

 much water was driven off as was thought safe to do. By this remarka- 

 bly good boiling an amount of sugar was recovered which leaves abso- 

 lutely no room for comparison with the work of other Louisiana sugar- 

 houses. This is a record to be proud of, and the enterprising proprietor 

 of Calumet, Mr. Daniel Thompson, and his son, W. J. Thompson, di- 

 rector of the sugar-house, deserve unstinted praise for showing the pos- 

 sibilities of cane culture in Louisiana when the manufacturing is carried 

 out on a rational basis. 



