Popular Science Lectures. 169 
of the juice of the cane and the perfection of its 
crystals, as well as in the utilization of its refuse, and it is 
to Chemistry we must look in a great measure for 
the development of many of those other products 
which in time will, it is hoped, supplement our 
sugar as sources of livelihood to our people, and of 
revenue to the Colony. In estimating the value of a 
fibre plant, for instance, important items are the amount 
of substances other than fibre present in the plant which 
hinder its economical and ready preparation, and the 
facility with which these undesirable matters can be re- 
moved. Chemical skill will detect and provide the means 
for getting rid of these. We have a variety of plants 
producing oils of different kinds, and all more or Jess 
valuable. In the preparation of these, as well as in ascer- 
taining the purposes for which each is fitted, the chemists' 
help is necessary. Experts at home have loudly praised 
some of our oils and gums, and the only thing requisite 
seems to be a continuous and ample supply. Our many 
medicinal plants contain active principles which the 
chemist can obtain in a form fit for use — and in short the 
colony' is rich in variety of products which by the aid of 
chemistry can be made available and profitable. 
Mechanical skill and invention have been and are con- 
stantly directed to obtaining greater powers of extracting 
the juice of our canes and of economizing fuel, the result 
being the cane machinery of to-day. 
This, it is true, many regard as far from perfect, and it 
may, as it has superseded the old cattle or windmill, 
be in turn thrown aside for some new process such as 
diffusion. No one I think can ignore the persistence 
with which new and varied improvements in the manufac- 
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