MAPLE SYRUP AND SUGAR 385 



be cleaned of all shavings and borings before the spout is inserted and the 

 bark should be left intact. 



6. Sap pressure exists on all sides of the tap hole. That is, the pres- 

 sure from above and below is the same and the flow of sap from the side 

 also shows the same amount of pressure. 



7. Most of the sap flow occurs between the hours of 9 a.m. and 

 noon. Over an extended period 63 per cent of the total sugar was con- 

 tained in the sap which ran before noon. After 3 p.m. there is very little 

 flow if any at all. 



8. The removal of the sap from the tree does not seem to have any 

 material effect on its growing ability or general health conditions. 

 Assuming that 3 lb. of sugar are made to the tree, only from 4 to 9 

 per cent, according to the size of the tree, of the total sugar contained is 

 removed. 



9. Buddy sap, which is the common term applied to the green sap 

 collected toward the end of the season and from which a resultant red- 

 dish syrup is made, is commonly attributed to the swell of the buds. 

 Investigation shows that this is caused b}' the development of a certain 

 group of bacteria. These micro-organisms infect the sap as it flows 

 out of the tap hole and while in the spouts and buckets. This infection 

 increases with the sugar season and is the cause of the souring of sap and 

 the buddy flavors which are common in syrups made at the termina- 

 tion of the season. This tendency may be eliminated and the quality 

 of the product much improved by observing the following : 



(a) By keeping the spouts and buckets thoroughly clean by wash- 

 ing often ar.d regularly. 



(b) By using metal spouts and buckets instead of wooden ones. 



(c) By collecting the sap frequently and boiling it as soon as pos- 

 sible after collection. 



WOODS OPERATIONS 



Tapping Trees and Distribution of Buckets. 



Tapping should take place just before the season opens. A sharp 

 bit should be used since a dull, rusty one leaves the hole rough. Smooth- 

 surfaced cuts always give best results. The tap hole should not be over 

 3 in. deep and a depth of from 2 to 2I in. is considered best since this 

 depth will completely grow over in a year and heal itself. The best 

 diameter is now considered to be 1^ in., although holes of from J to | 

 of an inch or more are used. 



