It therefore would have been more correct had I, in directing attention to "Bamboo," described it as an "Old material" under "New treatment." Such indeed was the case with "Esparto," an "Old material," well known, and tried ineffectually by many, previous to my process for converting it into paper being adopted, which, however, did not take place until it had been fully tested and approved, leading then to its speedy employment.
I believe with my new system of treatment "Bamboo" will prove to be as superior to "Esparto," in every respect as "Esparto" was found to be superior to "Straw," the only other "raw material" used when it was introduced.
"Bamboo" differs from "Megasse," inasmuch as the latter is produced, as it were, involuntarily, its maximum value as a "raw product" being determined by its comparison with fuel; whereas "Bamboo" would have to be cultivated; but, as this plant will not only grow, but flourish, in localities unsuitable for other cultivation, and is produced with such extraordinary rapidity and abundance, it would appear that, as a Raw Product, it would not cost much, if any, more than "Megasse."
It is hardly my province to discuss here to which of the two materials, "Megasse" or "Bamboo," the preference should be given. Suffice it to say that, with "the admitted fact" of the increasing scarcity of Raw Material for Paper-making, there is ample scope for both. I have only to add that I shall be happy to advise with parties who may desire to interest themselves in either question.
CONCLUSION.
As I have broadly stated that "Paper-Stock" can be produced from both "Bamboo" and "Megasse," to show a good Profit, it may be well to mention the present cost of "Esparto" reduced to the same condition (of "Paper-Stock"), as it is with this Material these Fibres would mainly have to compete, seeing that with its large consumption and widely extended use for most classes of Paper it now rules the Market.
The cost of good Spanish "Esparto" at current rates, is, delivered into a Mill (say), 10l. per ton; it is generally assumed in the Paper-trade that about 2 tons of "Esparto" are required to make 1 ton paper, the yield being from 48 to 50 per cent.
At 50 per cent. yield therefore we have 20l. per ton for "Raw Material." Add to this, for chemicals, boiling, fuel, and labour, 50s. × 2 tons, we arrive at 25l. for the cost of "Esparto" in the same condition of unbleached "Stock," sufficient for 1 ton paper.
"Alfa" or "African" Esparto does not afford so good a yield, neither will it bleach to so high a colour, nor make so good a quality of paper as "Spanish"; its value therefore is proportionately lower in the Market, say 8l. per ton as compared with 10l.: the cost therefore of "Alfa" reduced to a similar condition of "Stock" may be taken at 21l.
"Alfa" (if carefully selected) so closely resembles "Spanish" "Esparto," in its raw condition, that it is very difficult to distinguish one from the other, and when the two are skilfully blended, it is impossible to do so, until the bleaching process of manufacture is reached; thus, it has happened, that during the past two or three years many thousands of tons of "Alfa," having taken a "tour" through "Spain," and being there naturalized, have found their way to England and been sold to the unsophisticated English Paper-maker as "Spanish" "Esparto," thus supplementing the rapid exhaustion of the indigenous grass of that country.