On the prospects of the manufacture of sugar from beet-root in Ireland

Abstract

Between 1869 and 1876 an experiment was tried in Ireland of the manufacture of sugar from beet-root, which turned out unprofitable as a pecuniary speculation. When the failure occurred, it was suggested by a gentleman of some character and influence that the want of success arose from a want of support of investors. He wrote: ?The calculations of success, based upon that of Lavenham, Suffolk, and upon the ascertained value of Irish roots, would have been verified before now, had investors came forward sufficiently?. As this is the second large attempt within the past quarter of a century to promote the manufacture of sugar from beet-root in Ireland, I think it may be of some use to take up the issue thus publicly raised as to the conduct of those who hesitated to invest, and to place on record some results that I ascertained in the course of an examination of the facts stated in support of the success of the manufacture to which I have referred.