The first steps looking towards improvement in conditions in Quebec were taken 

 in 1913, with the organization of the Maple Sugar and Syrup Co-operative Association 

 of Waterloo, Quebec. This was followed by a Dominion Act to prevent the adulter- 

 ation of maple sugar and syrup or the marketing of any substitute therefor under the 

 term "maple." 



It was estimated that not more than fifteen per cent, of the producers were good 

 sugar makers. To instruct growers in improved methods of manufacture, four sugar- 

 making schools were opened on farms in different parts of Quebec. At these schools 

 anyone desiring to learn the art of making fine maple goods may obtain free instruction. 

 These schools, while under the direction of the provincial agricultural department, are 

 financed through federal grants provided under the Agricultural Instruction Act, and 

 information as to their work will be found in the report on this Act issued by the Depart- 

 ment of Agriculture, Ottawa. 



The Association referred to has made arrangements for the marketing of its products 

 and those of other similar organizations in the Province, by the Quebec Cheese-Makers' 

 Co-operative Association of Montreal. These efforts are expected to result in improved 

 quality, greater profit to the farmers and an increased output, so far as Quebec is 

 concerned. Doubtless similar action in Ontario and the Maritime Provinces would 

 lead to similar results. For such action the time would appear to be opportune. Not 

 only is the home market capable of great development, but the removal of the United 

 States duty should lead to a greatly increased export demand. 



PROSPECTS OF THE MAPLE INDUSTRY 



The outlook for the maple syrup and sugar market was never brighter than this 

 year. Last season's harvest was so small that 1 the stock has been completely cleared 

 out. High prices have prevailed and are practically certain to continue this year, 

 however great the production. The United States duty on syrup and sugar is to come 

 off on May 1st, thus opening to our makers the greatest market in the world for their 

 products. The demand from England and France during the past year was considerable. 



— "The Journal of Agriculture." 



SUGAR FOR SOLDIERS 



"The chief pride of the Italian Bersaglieri is their marching powers. During the 

 war between Russia and Japan the distances covered by the infantry of the latter 

 Power were regarded as almost incredible, and it was asserted in several quarters that 

 no European troops could vie with them in powers of endurance. The Italian Light 

 Infantry accepted the implied challenge, and speedily showed that not only could they 

 cover the same amount of ground with comparative ease, but that they could go one 

 better and yet finish fresh. They give rather a curious explanation of their powers — 

 that when the men are marching they are supplied with a large amount of ordinary 

 loaf sugar, which sustains them better than anything else could do, and at the same 

 time does not need a halt to be called for them to consume it. During the manoeuvres 

 of the French army some four or five years ago the commanding officer of one of the foot 

 regiments decided to carry out a similar experience with his men, and received the 

 necessary permission from his superiors. He had them paraded early one morning, 

 served them with a substantial ration of sugar, not a little to their surprise, and sent 

 them off on their way. The result was extraordinary. Examination showed that they 

 had covered a greater distance, with fewer mishaps, than had previously been accom- 

 plished in the same time by any French troops on the march. Therefore sugar now 

 forms a very important part of the dietary of the French army. 



— "Manchester Guardian." 



139 



