ZACATOI^ AS A PAPEK-MAKIK^G MATEKIAL. 



25 



PHYSICAL TESTS OF ZACATON PAPERS. 



It is impossible to grade these papers according to any recognized 

 classification, since the fiber from the zacaton plant is not recognized 

 as the equivalent of any commercial paper stock. From the fact 

 that the chemical examination placed the fiber very close to soda 

 poplar fiber it might be regarded as the equivalent of soda poplar in 

 grading the samples according to any scheme of classification. How- 

 ever, since the endurance of these papers, as well as their behavior 

 under manufacturing conditions, yet remains to be proved, it would 

 hardly be justifiable at present to regard zacaton fiber as the equiva- 



FiG. 13. — Beating machine supplied with washer. 



lent of any commercial fiber. It would seem better, on the whole, to 

 consider each physical test by itseK in characterizing these special 

 papers. 



The system of classification and specifications followed in this work 

 is that estabhshed by Veitch,^ which in the main is used as the basis 

 in the purchase of paper by the Government. 



Sample sheets from the semicommercial tests were submitted to 

 tlie Leather and Paper Laboratory of the Bureau of Chemistry for 

 physical examination. This laboratory makes use of a testing room 



1 Veitch, F. P. Paper speciilcations. In U. S. Dept. Agr. Rpt. 89, p. 13-51, 4 fig. 1909. 



