Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-06-23
TO SUGAR PRODUCERS.


Alpha Messer of the state Grange Offers
Interesting SUGGESTION.
To the Editor OF the Free Pross:
Dear SRI desire to call the attention of
your readers who are sugar makers to a few
facts in regard to the maple sugar industry
in this State and to offer q suggestion in re-
gard to this industry. In 1850 the maple
sugar production of Vermont was only
g. $40, 331 pounds and 5971 gallons Of syrup.
The production has steadily increased dur
ing the past 40 years and in 1889 it amount
ed to IA, 1913, 921 pounds Of sugar and 21S, =
2j2 gallons of syrup with valuation of
81, PAS, $50. The crop of 1890 was larger
than that of 1889, but on the other hand
the 0eason just closed was a disastrous one
to sugar makers aud the product fell Off
nearly or quite one-half from the average
crop 1t will, however, readily be seen
from tho above figures that this industry
has increased in amount to a wonderful ex-
tent during this period and Improvement in
quality has been nearly as marked as the
increase in quantity; and the growth and
Improvement, large as it is has been &C
complished under somewhat adverse cir
cumstances owing to authorizations after the
product has left the State, and to lack Of
any concert of action and with but little
cooperation among sugar makers.
But it would seem that the time has come
when concert Of action will be necessity to
further develop this industry and to sustain
and protect the enviable reputation of the
sugar product Of Vermont. For various
reasons, none of them valid, comparatively
few of the IA, 331 sugar makers in this State
have awaited themselves of the sugar
bounty. The resolutions have recently been
CT, tad o,,Ip l,o hntto
and all sugar makers should be benefited by
the bounty.
Vermont farmers need all the money they
can get in an honest way. The great expo
sition at Chicago next year will give an OPP
portunty to boom Vermont in general
way, and Vermont maple sugar in particu-
lar and Vermont sugar producers can not
afford to neglect the grand opportunity
which will there be presented to advertise
the best sweet on earth.
There are also many questions connected
with maple sugar production which ought
to be investigated, discussed and better
understood than they are at the present
time.
In view OF these facts and many Others
which might be cited. it has been suggested
that an association of sugar producers be
formed to assist in improving the quality,
further developing the industry, protecting
1t from fraud at home and abroad, and So
curing remunerative price which can be
obtained for all the Arst-class sugar or
syrup which it is possible TO produce in this
State.
The maple sugar production, ncxt to that
OF the dairy, is the most important farm pro
duction in the State. 1t Is acknowledged
on every hand that the Dairymen's associa-
ton is of great Importance to the dairy in
terests of the State. The beeieepers have q
State association which does much to sus-
tain the interests and increase the profits of
tho honey industry Of the State. Peo-
pie engaged in other interests and in
dustres have their associations which
are of great value to them. 1t would there
fore seem to me that the suggestion OF the
formation Of Il State association of sugar
producers is eminently proper ami lust the
thing to do, and | would propose Il preim-
mary meeting OF sugar producers for this
purpose and that it be called at some con-
ira! point as soon at least as the early fall
months, that proper action may be taken in
regard to the Chicago exposition and other
important matters which would doubtless
be brought before the association should ons
be formed. | should be pleased to hear
from every maple sugar producer in this
State who iavors the formation OF State
association. ALPHA MEssCn.
Rochester, Vt, June 8.