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SCIENTIFIC.
SCIENTIFIC.
KANSAS CANE GROWERS.
The association for the promotion of the sugar interests in the state of Kansas met at Topeka on the 13th and 14th insts. Nearly all the prominent cane growers and sugar and syrup manufacturers were in attendance. The meeting was opened by remarks from Gov. Glick, who prophesied a bright future for the industry. The evening session was devoted to listening to an able lecture by Prof. W. H. Wiley, chemist of the agricultural department, Washington, D. C. The occurrence of sugar in the different plants was thoroughly discussed. Sorghum cane contains 89 per cent. of juice; southern cane contains 91 per cent. of juice, and the sugar beet about the same. The juice is usually extracted simply by pressure, but it is not found to be possible to extract much more than half of the juice by this process. In a few exceptional cases, 75 per cent. has been obtained. Notwithstanding much that has been said to the contrary, it is probable that the sugar exists in solution in the cane.
The possibility of increasing the yield of sucose or cane sugar in the plant, and the decrease of the other sugars, was discussed. This may be probably effected by judicious experiments directed towards the improvement of the cane.
Prof Wiley discussed the climatic influences on the growth of sorghum. He placed Kansas in that belt of country where the cane could be grown with success, and also where the sugar manufacture could be carried on profitably. North of this belt there is a region where success may be attained, but where there is liability of failure on account of the early frosts. Nearly all the cane land of the United States is adapted to the growth of sorghum. Our season here extends through about ninety days. It is very desirable to extend this at both ends if possible.
Mr. Beneyworth, of Larned, one of the pioneers of the sugar industry, gave a history of his experiments in this line. He built and equipped the first works in the state for the manufacture of the syrup.
Prof. Bailey, of the State University, read a paper upon the "By Products of Sorghum Manufacture." He dwelt especially on the fact that to make an industry pay, there should be no waste. The analysis of various by-products, and uses for the same were given. Among these may be mentioned, the seed, leaves, "bagasse," or crushed cane, ash of the same and the scum of the evaporator.
The history of the sorghum industry was given in a paper by Judge F. G. Adams. The syrup was made in Kansas in 1854. The Herald of Freedom, at Lawrence, mentioned the raising of the cane in 1856. Experiments which had often resulted in failure, just begin to be successful at the present time. Mr. F. W. Giles raised sorghum cane in 1855.
The committee on resolutions, consisting of Messrs. Giles, Sweitser, Bailey, Decker, Studinietez, reported strongly in favor of protection for the growing industry of sugar manufacture.
The committee on legislation, consisting of Messrs. Riddle, Cowgill and Peffer, favored laws to prevent sugar adulteration also a state appropriation for experiments