XV ARROWROOT 281 



the starch ; but, owing to the rude processes of manufac- 

 ture usually employed to separate the fecula, it is seldom 

 that more than fifteen per cent, is got, and this would give 

 about seven hundredweights of prepared arrowroot to the 

 acre. But with high cultivation on rich soil much larger Returns per 

 returns may be looked for ; indeed, in Natal, as much as a 

 ton of arrowroot has been made from the rhizomes grown on 

 an acre of ground. 



Preparation of the Arrowroot. — The rhizomes Paring the 

 having been dug up and washed they are to be pared with 

 sharp knives so that every portion of the outside skin is 

 removed ; and, at the same time, all unsound portions are 

 cut away. The skin contains a resinous substance which The resin in 

 would discolour the arrowroot and give it a disagreeable 

 flavour ; it is necessary, therefore, that great attention be 

 given to the paring of the rhizomes. After the skin is Washing. 

 removed, a second washing is necessary ; and then, in order 

 to get out the starch, the rhizomes are to be reduced to a 

 pulp. This may be effected in three ways ; namely, i. By The three 

 pounding them in wooden mortars ; 2. By passing them preparing. 

 between the rollers of a mill ; 3. By pressing them against 

 a rapidly revolving wheel covered with rough tin like a 

 nutmeg grater — which tears the mass to pieces. In places The grating 

 where arrowroot is cultivated on a moderately large scale the "" 

 last mentioned pulping process is the best, for the grating 

 mill can be made at very little expense. The next thing to The fecula 



separated by 



do is to mix the pulp thoroughly with good clear water, and sieves, 

 then to pass the whole through a fine sieve which separates 

 the fibrous substance and permits the fecula to be carried 

 off with the water through the meshes of the sieve. The 

 fibrous refuse is thoroughly squeezed to force out any of the 

 starch entangled in it, and it is then thrown away, or, prefer- 

 ably, used as manure for the next crop. The water and the The settHng 

 starch are run into cisterns or tubs and allowed to settle, °^'^^^'^'^^" 

 when, after a time, all the starch will subside to the bottom 



