ASIA: JAPAN. 403 



" photographic paper" valued at 67,264.56 yen ($33,597). It is 

 difficult from the returns to ascertain the amount of stationery 

 imported. 



PRODUCTION. 



Four companies with 6 paper machines are engaged in making 

 strawboard. Thirteen companies operating 25 paper machines are 

 now making white paper of as light weight as it is possible for them 

 to manufacture, which, however, does not fully meet the Japanese 

 requirement for thin, light-weight paper. Two of the above-named 

 machines are owned by the Japanese Government and utilized in 

 making paper for its own use. 



The total number of printers or publishers is not yet ascertained. 

 Only 2 mills are engaged in grinding wood pulp. 



Watersheds are not extensive in Japan, hence the power is lim- 

 ited. A continuous supply of power accessible by railway or water 

 is found in but few localities. Most of the mills use steam power. 



The Fuji Mill has the best water power obtainable here about 

 2,000 horsepower. There are, however, many localities in Japan 

 where water power may be found in sufficient quantities to develop 

 electric power, which, in turn, might be utilized in running paper 

 mills. 



The cost of steam power may be partially arrived at by the state- 

 ment that soft coal of medium quality now costs in Kobe and Osaka 

 6 yen ($3) per ton, and at Tokyo 7.50 yen ($3.75). 



Spruce and other fir trees are available in considerable quantities 

 throughout the northern island of Yesso. A limited amount of sul- 

 phide pulp is made there; but, as stated, most is imported from 

 Norway, Germany, and our own country. The amount, however, is 

 not given in customs returns. 



POPULATION. 



The Japanese census returns for last year have just been pub- 

 lished. They show that on December 31, 1898, the population of 

 the Empire was 43,228,863, the males numbering 21,823,651 and the 

 females 21 405,212. 



PRICES. 



The following-named prices for materials used by Japanese man- 

 ufacturers of machine-made paper were obtained in January, 1899, 

 from one of their number. The prices are per ton of 2,240 pounds. 



Articles. Price. 



