"Wood" "Pulp" as I have mentioned, is imported, both mechanically and chemically prepared, the latter (unbleached) finding a ready sale, at 24l. to 25l. per ton; "Straw" "Pulp" also (bleached) realizes 26l. to 27l. per ton, but neither of these materials are likely to be introduced to any considerable extent.
"Paper-Stock," resulting from either "Bamboo" or "Megasse," will show a very large margin of profit from the figures I have quoted, thus allowing for any necessary reduction should prices fall from increased supplies.
In concluding my "Remarks," having in the preceding Pages suggested the conversion of "Raw Fibrous Substances," notably, "Bamboo" and "Megasse," into Fibrous "Paper-Stock," I ought perhaps distinctly to explain the difference between "Half-Stuff," or "Pulp," and "Paper-Stock," and my reasons for expressing a preference for the latter form of preparation,—a preference warranted, I believe, both by practical, and economical considerations.
Whatever "Material" the Paper-maker employs, be it Rags (of any denomination) or any other "Fibre," or "Fibrous," substance, after Boiling, he disintegrates, or comminutes it into "Half-Stuff," before, or while bleaching. This process, carried a stage farther, converts the "Half-Stuff" into "Pulp." Herein, not less than in the proper selection of his "Raw Material," lies the skill of the Paper-maker, as, however good his "Material" may be, in its Raw or normal condition, it may be very easily spoilt in either of the processes of Boiling,—Bleaching,—or Pulping.
For example, when Bread is once toasted, thereby becoming brown (and the purer and whiter the greater the change), whereby its chemical and mechanical character has become altered, no power can reconvert it into its original condition; in like manner, however good a "Raw Fibrous Material" may be, if that "Material" be either over-boiled, or over-pulped, no power will restore its normal character.
Moreover, a "Fibrous" substance once reduced to the condition of "Pulp," it is difficult, if not impossible, even for a Microscopist, to distinguish accurately the character or quality of the original "Fibre,"—its strength,—or whether it has been properly or improperly treated, and reduced to that condition—until, perhaps too late, when he has bleached it, and converted it, or attempted to convert it, into a sheet of Paper.
With a Fibrous "Paper-Stock," however, these objections do not apply, or certainly not to the same degree, as the Paper-maker could readily examine and judge of the character and strength of the "Fibre" whether it was clean and free from imperfections or adulterations—in fact, could see what he was buying, or proposing to buy, which he could not do with "Half-Stuff" or "Pulp."
So far as the Producer is concerned, his outlay for the primary "Plant" and the mechanical appliances, the cost of the subsequent treatment, the drying, packing, and economical carriage and freight from a Foreign country, would in all respects be less for "Paper-Stock" than for "Half-Stuff" or "Pulp."
Speaking from the experience of some years, during which I have conducted the manufacture and sale of many thousand tons of "Half-Stuff" prepared from "Esparto" and other "Raw Fibres," I feel satisfied that in introducing a New Semi-prepared Material, from a Foreign country, the preference would be given by the practical Paper-maker to a "Fibrous Paper-Stock."
Thomas Routledge.