262 



PAPER IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. 



other processes, it goes into drying cylinders and finally comes out 

 as pulp. The pulp is cut to pieces, packed and pressed by hydraulic 

 power into small, compact bales. I am informed that the goods 

 going to Belgium, France, and Italy have large, regular holes cut 

 through them, for the purpose, it is said, of reducing import duty in 

 these countries. 



In the paper division in these mills there are 2 large boilers, each 

 holding 10 tons, where the refuse from the pulp mills is boiled. 

 Refuse paper and shrubs are also utilized. After boiling, the mass 

 passes through mixing and grinding machines. When it has been 

 ground, cleansed, colored, etc. , it is brought into a system of cylinders 

 and develops into paper. At the same time, two kinds of paper, of 

 different thickness and color, can be made. The paper bales next go 

 by elevator to the second story, where the paper is cut, packed, and 

 pressed. Everything in these mills is made by machinery. There 

 are several industrial plants in the same vicinity. The water power 

 at Sarpsborg is great, and far more electric power can here be sup- 

 plied than is now in use. 



The principal pulp mills in my district number about 70, and 

 the capital invested maybe stated at 25,000,000 kroner ($6,700,000). 

 Quite a number of the mills are of the old-fashioned pulp type, em- 

 ploying the grinding process. The methods employed in the manu- 

 facture of both paper and pulp are fast improving. Capital appears 

 to be abundant, and, as long as the timber supply lasts, Norway 

 will be a large exporter of paper and pulp. Some new railroads are 

 under construction that will open new timber tracts. 



IMPORTS. 



According to official statistics, the importations of paper appear 

 to embrace nearly all classes, which appears strange when the statis- 

 tics for the exportations are also consulted. Jobbers in paper tell 

 me that the importations consist chiefly of the finer grades of writing 

 and drawing and of blotting paper. The Norwegian statistics (for all 

 of Norway) classify and give the total importations of paper for the 

 year 1897 as follows: 



