Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-01-28

I
1856 This arises chiefly from the ship
ments made at the Sandwich Islands by YES
sells wlich continue their voyages, and there
fore a diminution in the aggregate import TOR
the coming year is expected Of from i0,OOV
to 100, 900 bbls. Of whale oil, and cores
ponding decrease of bone. The number OF
vessels employed in the whale fishery Is 6o4;
of which 5S7 are ships aud barks, Is brlgs,
and ~ schooners, with tonnage OF 2O3, l4S
t0ns The number of whalers owned IN
New Bedford. is 324 ships and banks, whose
tonnage is 10 2G7, and the total in the col.
lection district Of New Bedford Is los, 40
tons OF the whole number OF vessels eui-
ployed 10 the whale fishery from the United
Stltes, there are owned in MASSACHUSETTS, Isl
shiIs and barks, IL brigS, and 80 schooners
tonnage l64, 446.
The fact that the CHINESE CANE is sugar
producing plant, has been definitely set
tied, according to observations and prac-
teal trials, made by Joseph S. Lowering,
of Philadelphia, whose lif, long business has
been sugar-refning. A detailed account OF
these trials, made up from his daily journal,
has been published by Mr.. L., in pamphlet.
lie AYERS that his results as published, were
actually produced by himself, with no object
in view but the truth, and desire to cobtrl-
butte whatever useful information he could
towards the solution Of this interesting and
important question. The sugar produced by
him was quite dry, and will lose compare
lively little by drainage. His estimate OF
the probable yield of an acre of canes OF
ordinary growth, such as he experimental
upon, is l466 % pounds Of sugar, and 14.39
gallons Of molasses His acre, however. pro-
duced only lo47 gallons Of juice, whereas
the product, under favorable circumstances,
is much larger. Mr.. L, after variety of
details, gives his conclusion in these words
with these conditions secured, it is about
as easy TO make good sugar from the Chinese
cane, az to make pot of good mush, and
much easier than to make a good kettle Of
apple-bu,ter." The conditions referred TO-,
are these:
First, That it is obvious that there is q cul-
minating point in the Development OF the
sugar in the cane, which is the best time for
sugar-making. This point, or season, | con-
slider to be when most, if not oil, the seeds
are ripe, and after several frosts, say when
the temperature falls to go or 800 f.
Second, That frost, or even hard freez-
ing, does not irjure the juice nor the sugar,
but that warm lodian summer weather, alter
the frost and hard freezing, does ipjure them
very materially, and reduces bota quantity
and quality.
Third, That if the cane is cut and housed,
or shocked 10 the field when in its most fa-
vorabe condition, it will probably keep IN
changed for a long time.
FOURTH That when the juice is obtained,
the process should proceed continuously and
without delay.
FIN, That the Qualification should be as
perfect as possible by the time the density
reaches ljo Beaume; the syrup having the
appearance Of good brandy.
Sixth, That although eggs were used IN
these small experiments on account OF their
convenience, bullock's blood, il to be had, is
equally good and the milk of lime alone will
answer the purpose; in the latter case, how
ever, more constant and prolonged skimming
will be required to produce perfect clartca-
ton, which is highly important.
Secenth, That the concentration, or boiling
down, after Qualification, should be as rapid
as possible, without neutrality-suspicious. eva
porators being the best.
The" Joul nal Of Commerce reviews the tes-
tmony as to the cultivation Of this new plant
of so much importance to our country If good
for anything, and says:
1.-The experiments have Indeed resulted in
a manner singularly unlike, and most re-
markable disagreement seems to exist among
those engaged in them, on several points.
Thai the plants can be grown successful
", as to quantity, in nearly all sections OF
the Union, has, we think, been demonstrated.
That its Juice, when properly expressed, is
easily converted into syrup, is not suscepti-
BILE Of doubt. That it has made sugar, in a
few instances, is pretty well authenticated -
That the stalks nre some value for fodder Tor
cattle, can scarcely be doubted. These are
facts about which there need be no further
dispute. But the question which the farmers
of the country wish to have settled are.
Will the cane make good syrul! =. Can this
syrup by proper procesa be converted into
Good sugar? 8 Is the fodder suitable for aud
readily eaten by cattle and other animals on
the farm? and is it profitable article for that
rurpose? In view of all the facts, Is Its cul-
tivation for market or for family use proh'
table?
When these questions can be satisfactorily
answered, it will be time to determine upon
the propriety or Improperly Of entering
larg " into the culture of the Chinese sugar
cane in this country.
The bill reported by Senator Douglas, from
the Senate committee on Territories, declares
that Minnesota shall be admitted into the
Union on an equal footing With the original
States in all respects. 1t provides that the
State shall be entitled to. one R'presentati7e
in Congress, and such additional Representa-
tives as the population may show they are
entitled to, according to the present ratio Of
representation, leaving the House to sscsr-
tain the number when the full returns OF the
census shall be received that the
residue of the returns will he received by the
time the bill shall become law. SO tar
as ascertained, the population is 1876, 46l, with
seven entire counties and part of another to
be beard from.
Mr.. Bernbisel, the delegate from the Ter
Il