Farming of Devonshire. 475 
which may be floating^ in the liquid. There is another part of 
this pl.an for making: cider to which I would direct notice. In 
the manufacture of fermented liquors it is desirable to exclude the 
air after they have passed a certain stage ; but the safety of the 
cask prevents this being done. A very simple method which 
I will now describe fully accomplishes both of these desiderata.* 
The water into which the tube dips acts as an elastic spring, which, 
whilst it causes no pressure on the liquid in the cask, is a per- 
fectly/ air-tight valve. I am well aware that the produce of 
different orchards varies greatly, even where the same process 
is adopted ; but I am convinced that these disparities may be 
lessened, and the quality much improved, if its manufacture were 
conducted in accordance with correct principles. We should 
* The juice of carefully assorted fruit as it comes from the press is col- 
lected in casks, and placed in a cool situation for two or three days. To 
every dO gallons add about 12 ounces of wood charcoal (coarsely crushed), 
and a few hours after 4 ounces of isinglass dissolved in some cider. The 
cask is now to be tightly bunged and a syphon-shaped tube inch in 
diameter) firmly introduced into the cork in such a manner that the end 
thus fixed does not reach the liquid in the cask. The opposite end dips 
into a vessel of water supported at the side, as is represented in this 
drawing. 
After a few days, when the liquid is considered clear, it should be quicldy 
and carefidly racked. It is now to be treated with another quantity of 
charcoal and isinglass as on the previous occasion, and the whole to be 
again secured by the tube as above directed. It may remain in its present 
state for a few weeks, and after another racking will afford a delicious 
beverage. If the cider is to be kept any length of time, it is a good plan 
to suspend from the bung one or two pounds of sugar-candy in a bag, 
for cider requires something on which to " feed," and if it is perfectly 
free from solid matter it destroys its own " body," but the presence of 
sugar prevents this. The racking should be done in clear weather, and as 
cold as possible. 
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