8 



THE BOILERS. 



In addition to the three boilers fired exclusively by bagassee are two 

 batteries, both arranged for coal, nominally of about equivalent horse 

 power with one another and with the bagasse battery: (1) Four double 

 flue boilers, 26 feet long, 42 inches diameter; flues 15f inches diameter; 

 (2) two 17-flue boilers, 22 feet long, 54 inches diameter; flues 6 inches 

 diameter. Of these one battery only is operated at one time, alterna- 

 tion every second week permitting their maintenance in superior condi- 

 tion. Average coal consumed per ton of cane and per 1,000 pounds of 

 commercial sugar during each of the last three campaigns has been as 

 follows: 



The three years' average per 1,000 pounds of sugar is believed to be 

 the most satisfactory ever recorded for Louisiana. Steam is main- 

 tained for the wagon-room until the drying of any thirds is completed 

 which may have been boiled, this in 18S7-'88 being only on May 17. 

 No thirds were made in 1886- 7 87. The coal, as stated, is for all pur- 

 poses, including washing of house, preliminary trials of machinery, 

 warming of sleeping and other apartments, electric lighting, etc., and is 

 all actually weighed. "No hot water being allowed to escape from the 

 establishment, the boilers are supplied almost entirely with hot distilled 

 water. The small quantity required aside from this return is first fil- 

 tered by a Hyatt apparatus. 



THE MILLS. 



The mills are operated by a single, adjustable cut-off engine, cylinder 

 24 inches diameter by 48 inches stroke. This is provided with Corless 

 valves and the Joy expansion gear. The cut-off being ordinarily ac- 

 complished only at 42 inches, the engine is practically controlled by the 

 wire-drawing of its governor, a practice rendered permissible by the 

 use of its exhaust, under about 4 pounds average pressure, in juice 

 concentration by double effect. An average of 43 revolutions of the 

 engine is maintained, under 95 pounds initial steam-pressure. For 

 every 100 revolutions of the engine the first or three-roller mill accom- 

 plishes 5.142 and the back or two roller mill 4.210 revolutions. The 

 principal dimensions of the two mills are given below : 



