For many years past, I have devoted much time to the investigation of Fibres, during which period I have, I believe, tested both chemically and practically as a Paper-maker, nearly every fibrous material introduced into the market, with, as may naturally be supposed, extremely variable results.
Before any "New Material" will be favourably received by the Paper-manufacturer, it is clear that certain conditions must be fulfilled; these being that such "Material" shall favourably compare, so far as regards quality and cost, with those he now employs, and that he shall feel satisfied he may rely upon a continuity of supply, not subject to violent fluctuations in price.
Once assured on these points, there can be no doubt that, especially under existing circumstances (viz. deficient supply and high prices), the Paper-trade would gladly welcome the advent of any "New Material" calculated to relieve the present, or apprehended scarcity.
NEW MATERIALS.
Fortunately for the Paper-trade, and its supply of materials in the future, two raw fibrous substances exist, to which I now desire to direct special attention, as I believe it would be difficult, if not impossible, to meet with any others to compare with them in the essential points, of reliable supply at extremely low cost combined with quality.
With this conviction I have devoted much attention to perfecting a simple and economical system of treating them, in order to produce a fibrous "Paper-Stock," considering that to be the most practicable and best form in which they can be introduced into the Market.
One of these materials, "Megasse," or "Begasse," fulfils the main conditions which would be looked for by the Paper-manufacturer, inasmuch as vast quantities are available at a low cost, and owing to the peculiarity of its production being the necessary by-product of a large and widely spread staple industry—Sugar—not subject to the ordinary irregularity of supply.
"Megasse," the fibrous residue of the Sugar-Cane (after it has been crushed to extract the juice), properly prepared, affords a strong, nervous fibre, or "Fibrous Stock," which bleaches well, and possesses all the characteristics of a first-class Paper-making material.
"Megasse" however, as it comes from the crushing rolls, and even when dried after crushing, is so exceedingly bulky, that (being produced almost exclusively in tropical countries) the cost of carriage added to its great liability to damage from fermentation, precludes the possibility of its being imported to England in its crude state; moreover, the true fibrous portion of "Megasse" does not amount to more than 40 per cent., the remainder being constituted of Cellulose, combined with glutenous and other compounds, which of themselves are useless for Paper-making, and which consequently must be separated from the residuary or ultimate fibre.
It follows, therefore, that "Megasse" must be converted into a Fibrous Stock at, or near, the Sugar factory where it is produced, then dried, and put up in hydraulic-pressed bales for economical transport.