The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1881-02-10
Mlnnesst& sugar.

Inc mCeCl0g OI the V80oAdf0Wef0,
Association, and the exhibition Of
their products in this city, seem to
settle the question of Minnesota's
ability to raise her own sugar, and,
iii the near future, to supply any Of
her sister states that may need sweet
ening. The amber-cane culture APP
pears to be demonstrated success,
and all accounts Of those who have
engaged in it attest that it may be
made largely remunerative. The
yield of sugar per acre ranges from
= thousand to twelve hundred pounds
on suitable soils, under good condi-
ftions and with proper culture: and
the cane grows and natures 80 rap
idly that our shortest summers will
suffice for the planting and securing
of the crop. Discussion az to the
quality of the product has given
place to demonstration. The liberal
specimens Of sugar from amber
cane exhibited here have been exam
ined and tested, and the unanimous
verdict is that the Minnesota article
is good.
A few figures may help the reader
to understand the importance of this
new source of agricultural wealth of
Minnesota. We have not at hand
the statistics for last year, but in 1873
the United States imported no less
than 6l4,l7O tons of sugar, and 49,
$685. 500 gallons of mo'asses and
Isyrups. The estimated value of these
articles was $77,537 500. Taking the
low average of !, 900 pounds Of am
bcr-cane sugar to the acre, it would
require but ,22S, $40 acres planted in
Minnesota cane to supply the coun-
try with all the sugar it imported in
1878; and there is not the slightest
apparent reason to doubt that the
farms of this state can spare all the
land necessary for the purpose.
The subject, it will be seen, is q
very large and interesting one.
There are, actually and in dead earn
est, "millions in it." Farmers are
mot expected to go wild over cane
culture, nor will it be advisable for
them all at once to abandon other
crops and go in extensively for su-
gar. That would be a good way to
bring upon themselves visitation of
the discouraging disappointmcnts
which have afflicted many of those in
the southern part of the state who
have so persistently adhered to
embarrassing. The development of
the new industry must be governed
by the condition of the market; and
as cane-growing Is something of
specify requiring good deal of
knowledge and care for it's success
full prosecution, it will be we'll for
beginners to go slow and feel their
way experimentally on q small scale
for year or two. One important
thing connected with Minnesota SUI
gar culture is yet needed, and that
is the establishment of refineries in
which the raw sugars may be pre-
pared for the table. There is appar-
emily an admirable opening for enter
prising capitalists to engage in this
lucrative business. Doubtless it will
be improved, but until means arc at;
hand for presenting our Minnesota
product in as attractive condition as
that in which other sugars are offered,
the demand will necessarily be linn
tied, because the consumption of raw
sugars of even the best grades is mott
extensive. The cane-growers have
rendered an important service to the
public by presenting the results of
their enterprise and industry at their
meeting, and thus directing the atten-
ton of the people to the subject. It'll
may be expected that a rather extern
sive "boom," to use the current
phrase, will quickly begin in the SUI
gar business in Minnesota.