"In the first place, sugar is one of the most powerful antiseptics known. It acts, therefore, as an aid to healing, since it protects the wound from foreign substances and from poisonous and harmful germs. In the next place, it is a great preservative for either fruit or flesh."
The cane was cut close to the root, and the top and leaves trimmed off. Within several hours a full load was thus procured. The boys enjoyed the pith, and George playfully gave some to Angel. His surprise knew no bounds. When he knew what the cane was good for, he simply gorged on it.
Fig. 16. Cane Crusher.
Harry at once set to work on turning up two rollers from hickory, the rollers being eight inches in diameter, and eighteen inches long, and each being provided with a spindle four inches in diameter. One end of each of the spindles was longer than the other, so pulleys could be attached, the object being to provide a means whereby they might be turned by suitable belts from the water wheel. In addition, the top roller was made so it would yield, and had levers resting on the spindles, and provided with weights, so the rollers would press out the juice, whatever the quantity that might be placed between the rollers.
It was really a simple little machine to put up, but it required a day for both of them. Vessels were now provided for the juice, and when they were filled, the Professor suggested that a little lime should be put into the juice, after it had been strained through the ramie cloth.
"What is the object of putting in lime?"