The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-12-18
The Msnusaeture of raolasses.

A large number Of farmers in this vi
cinity have just finished the manufacture
of their crops of Sorghum, or Chinese Su-
gar Cane, into molasses, for winter use
The growing and manufacture of this
plant will ultimately be one of the most
important of the products of Kansas soil,
as we'll as the most paying business to
which the farmers can turn their attention.
The yield of it is astonishing. None
know, until they have tested it by actual
experience, how immensely superior it is
over all other products of the soil, in re-
imbursing the labor of their hands. A
half dozen stalks of the cane, or what is
grown in one hill, will yield over one
quart of juice. An acre of ground, plant
ed in this way, would yield over $50 gal
Ions of juice. Three gallons of juice will
make one of thick, excellent molasses,
which can readily be sold for rs cents per
gallon. The sugar cane would thus pay
the farmer over $1S7 so per acre, or did
he devote fifty acres of his farm to the
culture of the cane, it would yield him
1885 per year-a very good per centage
on his investment. The machinery now
used is very crude and imperfect. A
rough wooden machine, hastily put up, is
all that our farmers have for crushing the
cane. Yet even with this, they produce
quantities of molasses which form the ba-
sis Of the above estimates; and with good
machinery, would undoubtedly be able to
produce one-fo fourth more in quantity.
Mr.. A. Elliott, living near Pardee, has
been engaged in raising this sugar cane
for over three years. He informs us that
it is the most productive crop he can
raise. 1t will pay thrice the product of
any other cereal, with one-half the labor.
He intends to procure good machinery and
commence the manufacture of the molas-
ses on an extensive scale next year, and
we have not the least doubt but that his
experiment will prove great success.
There is no reason why this plant may
not become one of the staple productions
of Kansas. Climate, soil and season are
all peculiarly adapted to it. We only
want some enterprising and intelligent
farmer, with capital sufficient to procure
the proper machinery, to engage in it, and
demonstrate its preductiveness, ard we
hope some one will turn their attention to
the matter. In flavor and wholesome
ness, the Sorghum molasses is equal, i!
not superior, to that raised and manufac-
tured on the plantations of Louisiana, and
can be as readily sold. We see ne reason
why it may not be made to pay any one
who viii engage in it. Sugar can easily
be manufactured out of the molasses, al
though as yet the imperfect machinery
used by the farmers has been unfayorable
to it
There is another peculiarly about the
sugar cane which recommends it still more
highly. 30 severity Of weather will eff.
feet it, if properly attended to. The SAP
or juice may be frozen, yet if it is crushed
as soon as it thaws, the syrup is not In
jured But if left standing after it thaw:
until the juice ferments, It sours and be.
comes useless. No one, however, with a
knowledge of this fact, need ever los.
any Of his cane by a sudden change Of the
weather Prompt attention viii preserve
il from any injury.-EeedonIs Champion