THE MANUFACTURE OF PAPER 



extra weight. Sulphite is either sold in similar shape, 

 first having had a portion of the water removed by 

 pressure, or else dried by steam in rolls like paper. 

 Soda fiber is ordinarily so sold, though sometimes in a 

 partially wet state like sulphite." 2 



The process of making paper after the pulp is ob- 

 tained from the grindstones, or from the chemical vats, 

 is practically identical with the process used for rags. 

 This is true also of the treatment of the other substances 

 that are used for paper-making, such as flax, manila, 

 jute, hemp, straw, and old paper. 



Reference was made a moment ago to the kind of 

 paper used by the government in the manufacture of 

 banknotes, or "greenbacks," and it was stated that 

 only new rags are used in their manufacture the rem- 

 nants from the establishments making linen goods. 

 There is another peculiarity in this banknote paper 

 with which most people are familiar, and which is a 

 government monopoly, inasmuch as it is unlawful for 

 any person to manufacture such paper. The peculiarity 

 in question is the fact that this paper contains a large 

 number of tiny silk-thread clippings, of various colors, 

 and from a quarter to half an inch long. These may 

 be seen in any new or clean bill by holding it to the 

 light, and are placed there for the purpose of preventing 

 counterfeiting. 



These silk threads are inserted in the paper just 

 after it leaves the pulp vat and is still a plastic blanket on 

 the "wire" of the machine on its way to the cylinders. 

 Just above the "wire" is a little conducting-trough, 

 which sprinkles water holding the silk threads in sus- 



[175] 



