Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-01-27
DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

SUGAR PROM THE CHINESE CAxE.-Wc have
received from Joseph S. Lowering, Oakhill,
Philadelphia county, five different samples of
sugar,the results of experiments, made by him
with the chinese sugar cane. Mr.. Lowering
planted the seeds last year, to determine tho
value OF the plant in its sugar-producing quail
tiles. First he established, by polarscopic
observation, the presence of crystalliZed sugar
in the cane. and then he began his experiment,
of which he gives detailed account in PAM
phlet which he has published, and to which
we refer those interested in the matter, our
purpose being to record only the general re-
suit. The fist experiment was a discouraging
one, and the dark visced mass stood six DAYS
without the sign of crystal but being kept
warm four days longer yielded a crop of
soft crystals. The second produced a yellow
brown sugar, as dry as and about the color OF
second quality Cuba sugar used by refiners
For the acre 6255 lbs. sugar, and 1922 gallons
molasses, produced from Is, ,14S canes, YIELD
ing 1.7S1 gallons Juice, weighing 9 lbs. per
gallon, or 1868 lbs, being per cent. Of
sugar and $50 per cent. of molasses, or 1850
per cent. together. The third experiment was
a failure. The fourth was very successful pro-
ducing ,22l .S5 lbs TO the acre and 74.39 gal
Ions of molasses. The fifth produced white
sugar directly from the cane without refinings
The seventh experiment was in refining, and
Is lbs. of good loaf sugar were produced from
the proceeds of the experiment conside cred fail
ures. The conclusion that Mr.. l.. comes to is
that an acre will probably yield ,466. % lbs OF
sugar and 74.39 gallons molasses from l,S47
gallons of juice, The weather was unpropiti-
Gus to the ripening of the cane. and, probably
ten per cent. was lost in consequence, which
would increase the quantity to ,612 lbs of
sugar and 81 $40 gallons of molasses, a Weld
very nearly corresponding to the best conduc-
ted Louisiana plantations. The best time
for sugar making is when the seeds are all ripe
and alter several frosts, the Thermometer be-
low 30 degrees; frost or hard freezing does
not hurt the juice nor the sugar, but warm
weather after frost does. Cane cut and hous-
ed, or shocked in the field will probably keep
unchanged long while. When the juice is
obtained, the process of sugar making should
proceed continuously without delay. The
clarifcation should be as perfect as possible
-bullock's blood and milk of lime will an
swer for Qualification, skimming being requir-
ed constantly. The concentration and boil
ing done after clarification should be as rapid
as possible in shallow evaporators. With these
conditions secured, it is as easy, Mr.. L. saws to
make good sugar from the Chinese sugar-cane
as to make pot Of good mush, and easier
than to make Kettle of good apple butter.
These experiments, conducted by an intelli-
gent gentleman, extensively engaged in the
sugar refining business in this CITY. settle AZ
once all question respecting the production
OF sugar from the Chinese cane, and the value
OF that plant to the agriculture of the country.
They are of the most reliable character, and
coming from person OF his experience. can
not fail to make strong impression upon the
minds of all interested in the culture of the
new plant. We return our thanks to Er. Love-
ring for enabling us to lay his Interesting facts
before the public We bs.ye, at the Ledger
ofiice, specimens Of .ne sugar and molasses,
WHICH any psssc- II may see by calling.-LedssT.