254 



RICHMOND. 



The stuff was taken from the beater and well washed and subsequently a 

 small quantity of loading was gradually added and the whole again beaten 

 for half an hour. At this stage of the operation the rosin size was introduced 

 and the decomposition of the soda resinate completed with the calculated quan- 

 tity of alum. The amount of size used corresponded to 4 per cent on the 

 dry pulp present, the total time occupied in preparation of the pulp for running 

 on the machine being two hours. 



PREPARATION OF PAPER. 



No great difficulty was experienced in running the pulp; it retained, however, 

 a considerable quantity of water after passing the suction boxes and in conse- 

 quence it was found necessary to keep the press roll down hard. On a large 

 machine this precaution would not be necessary, as more suction boxes are 

 available and complete control is assured. 



The paper was passed over 9 cylinders at a pressure of about 8 pounds to the 

 square inch, then through one calendar and finally reeled oft'. In a similar 

 manner a second sample was prepared, using a mixture of half pulp obtained 

 from the lalang grass and half cotton beaten together. The paper obtained from 

 this blend could prove very useful as a high-class wrapping paper, it being 

 stronger and possessing a comparatively high resistance to folding, as will be 

 seen in the following table of physical tests done on the finished specimens of 

 papers. The paper made from "all-grass" pulp would with judicious treatment 

 for improvement of color be very suitable for printing purposes. 



The following table of figures was obtained and compiled from tests ami 

 analyses made on the air-dried finished papers. 



Physical properties: 



Breaking strain pounds— 



Stretching • per cent— 



Rubbing test j per cent— 



Thickness inches.. 



Chemical constituents: 



Rosin size per cent__ 



Ash (natural and loading) per cent- 

 Moisture per cent- 



Pure 

 lalang. 



8.37 



1.03 



.27 



1/125 



1*2.20 



>>3.01 



"-10.40 



Half 



lalang, 



Half cotton 



1.35 

 .151 

 1/234 



1-2.43 

 t-1.94 

 1-8.68 



!1 Way of machine. 



'' On the dry paper. 



The addition of cotton to the pure lalang fiber has the effect of improving its 

 resistance to crumbling, and also in a lesser degree its tensile strength. 



(Signed) G. Stewart Remington. 



It would seem that these reports are final and conclusive in regard 

 to the suitability of this material for the purpose in question, and that 

 further experimental work is entirely unnecessary. We find the grass 

 growing wild in the Philippines and in such abundance in certain local- 

 ities as to warrant a serious inquiry looking to its commercial use. 

 Preliminary surveys point to the Island of Masbate, and possibly the 

 neighboring Islands of Ticao and Burias, as the most favorable loca- ■ 



