WEST INDIES. 
43 
CHAP. II.] 
The lime is perceptible in the sugar both to the 
smell and taste, and precipitates in the copper pans 
a black insoluble calx, which scorches the bottom 
of the vessels, and is not detached without diffi¬ 
culty. I conceive therefore, that little more than 
half the quantity mentioned above, is a better me¬ 
dium proportion, and, in order that less of it may 
be precipitated to the bottom, an inconveniency at¬ 
tending the use of dry lime, Mr. Bousie’s method 
of dissolving it in boiling water, previous to mix¬ 
ing it with the cane-juice, appears to me to be 
highly judicious.* 
* This gentleman (Mr. Bousie) to whom the assembly of Jamaica 
gave £.1000 for his improvements in the art of sugar-boiling, in a 
paper distributed by him among the members recommends the use of 
a vegetable alkali, or ashes of wood calcinated, such as pimento-tree, 
dumb-cane, fern-tree, cashew, or logwood, as affording a better 
temper than quick-lime ; but he was afterwards sensible that sugar 
formed on the basis of fixed alkaline salts never stands the sea, un¬ 
less some earth is joined with the salts. Such earth as approaches 
nearest to that which is the basis of alum, would perhaps be 
most proper. As sugar on a vegetable alkaline basis, is generally 
as much superior in colour, as that on lime is in grain ; how far a ju¬ 
dicious mixture of vegetable alkaline salts and lime might prove a 
better temper than either lime or alkaline salts alone, is an inquiry 
that ought to be pursued. If there were no redundant acid in cane- 
liquor, lime and any other alkali would be hurtful, as may be. shewn 
by adding a few grains of lime or alkali to a clear solution of re¬ 
fined sugar : a precipitation will ensue. In some parts of Jamaica, 
where the cane-liquor was exceedingly rich, Mr. Bousie made very 
good sugar without a particle of temper. I have said, that too much 
temper is perceptible in the sugar, both to the smell and ta te ; it 
might be added, a?idalso to the sight. It tinges the liquor first ytliow, 
and if in excess turns it to a dark red. Too much temper likewise 
