EUROPE: FRANCE. 



toward increasing the exports from their respective countries to Nice. 

 This consulate makes up and forwards, I should say, from twenty- 

 five to thirty reports for every one sent by any other consulate, with- 

 out counting the replies on numerous subjects to many commercial 

 inquiries from the United States. 



HAROLD S. VAN BUREN, 

 NICK, January 27, 1899. Consul. 



ROUBAIX. 



The population of the consular district of Roubaix is estimated 

 at about 2,000,000 inhabitants. Ten per cent (mainly old people) 

 are illiterates. 



PRODUCTION, PRICES, ETC. 



As there are but six paper mills in the consular district of Roubaix 

 (Department of the North), it is not considered an important paper- 

 making district. The principal paper produced here is packing and 

 a little parchment. Writing and printing papers come from the Pas 

 de Calais, the suburbs of Paris, from Angouleme, Rives (Isere), 

 Grenoble, Annonay, Essounes, and in the Department of the Vosges. 



The people have decided mechanical tendencies, and their natural 

 aptitude is cultivated by technical schools. 



The Department of the North is the most important manufac- 

 turing district in France, and ranks in wealth and political impor- 

 tance next after the Department of the Seine. 



In addition to the usual uses for journals, books, and circulars, 

 large quantities of paper are required for the chief industries of the 

 district the manufacture of dress goods, spinning, and weaving. 



Cardboard is consumed in large quantities for pattern making, 

 boxes, and tubes for spinning mills and heavy-weight paper for pack- 

 ing dress goods. 



Table showing size, weight, and price of printing paper. 



*i kilogram=2.2046 pounds. 



