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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. II., PART II. 



addition of the infusion of kaddukai just as perfect a 

 precipitation occurred as with peni; after filtration it 

 threw up no scum whatever, and was nearly colourless. 

 Gallnuts are mentioned by Dr. Evans as one of the best 

 defecating agents. I confidently recommend a trial of this 

 to sugar planters, as I believe it to be of the last importance 

 to extract the lime, and for the above idea I am indebted 

 to the suggestion of a friend. 



Before this I had ascertained a curious fact. Strange to 

 say, though so large an amount of lime is present turmeric 

 paper is not reddened unless the cream of lime is stirred up. 

 But on adding a very great excess, the peni will redden a 

 solution of turmeric. This was done till the liquor assumed 

 a light red colour. To this common alum was added 

 at 140°, until a bulky precipitate took place, and all colour 

 whatsoever disappeared. The liquor being filtered was 

 remarkably clear and pure, and notwithstanding we know 

 that the sulphate of potash is still present* and will 

 exercise a baneful effect on the liquor, it did not seem to do 

 so, but granulated freely. Perhaps the sulphate of potash 

 may pass into the molasses. I tried this plan with a solution 

 of very black cane sugar, and with the same effect, the 

 precipitation discharging nearly all the colour. 



The idea of the last trial which I shall detail is taken from 

 a pamphlet by Mr. Gay. His words are : " The addition of 

 tannate of lime and alum as the liquor came from the mill 

 would effectually prevent all fermentation, and gelatine 

 could be added during the succeeding process of clarification." 

 I must here remark that I have frequently boiled liquor 

 defecated by bark, and though it made good sugar found it 

 possessed a certain thickness which I did not like, and an 

 unwillingness to part with its molasses. However, this idea 



* Evans, p. 103, 



