NORTHEKN SUGAR INDUSTRY. 61 



The total value of sugar produced at 7 cents per pound was *|19, 789. 77 



Add bounty 1 cent per pound $2, 827. 11 



Value of molasses, at 42 cents per gallon |23, 100. 00 



Bounty on cane ($1 per ton) $6, 795. 00 



$52,511.88 



Value per acre (circa) $50. 00 



OPERATIONS AT CHAMPAIGN, ILL. 



The campaign of 1883 was the second one for this company. 



The method of planting and cnltivation was a simple one, and with 

 the exception of some special attention given the young plant with the 

 hoe, was the same as is used in raising Indian corn. 



The company does not cultivate a large crop of its own, but buys of 

 surrounding farmers. 



The soil around Champaign is a black prairie loam. 



The season was cold and wet, and the early September frosts greatly 

 injured the crop. 



The company made an interesting experiment during the working 

 season in burning the bagasse directly from the second mill. 



Special furnaces were constructed for the purpose, with blast and tall 

 chimney to favor rapid combustion. The bagasse in passing to the sup- 

 plemental mill is saturated with steam and hot water. It reaches the 

 furnaces, therefore, still wet, probably containing nearly half its weight 

 of water. There are grave difficulties connected with burning such a 

 fuel which even the most ingenious construction of a furnace will hardly 

 overcome. 



The saving of fuel by burning the bagasse is estimated by the super- 

 intendent at 25 per cent. 



Experiments in other parts of the country, notably in Kansas, have 

 shown that well sun-dried bagasse is more than sufficient fuel for evap- 

 oration. It is therefore, seen that fully 75 per cent, of the value of the 

 bagasse is lost in burning it wet. 



It is yet an open question whether it is sounder economy to burn the 

 bagasse, as at Champaign, or to return it to the soil, as at Rio Grande. 



On principle I would be in favor of the latter proceeding. I believe 

 a soil needs the same careful feeding and the same careful attention 

 that a wise farmer gives to his horses and cattle. Peuuriousness is al- 

 ways reprehensible, and in farming especially when it is exercised 

 toward the soil. The earth is patient. It will allow itself to be robbed 

 for many years without complaint. Sooner or later, however, it will 

 refuse to do more, no matter how much it is urged. 



The wisdom of burning bagasse depends on a great many local con- 

 siderations. In localities where fuel is scarce and the laud fertile it 

 will evidently be more advantageous to burn the bagasse than where 

 coal is abundant and the soil poor. 



* These figures are my own estimates, and have not been revised by the officers of 

 the company 



