The Manufacture of Paper. AT 
Darwin’s hypothesis. I do not pretend to say how far 
received theories may be modified by the facts to which I 
have drawn attention, but I am convinced that the glacial 
period must be confined to the northern hemisphere, and 
some other explanation must be sought for our Alpine flora. 
I may remind the Society, however, that I do not wish to 
extend my observations further than Australia proper. In 
New Zealand, Julius Haast has found extensive evidence of 
glacial action, but the observations are rather too limited for 
us to conclude anything directly therefrom. A true glacial 
period in New Zealand would be a puzzling fact, and very 
difficult to reconcile with what we observe in Australia ; but 
we may find hereafter that even in Europe climatial 
changes may depend upon physical conditions to which 
New Zealand has been especially aud exceptionally sub- 
jected. At any rate there has been no glacial period in 
Australia—in fact, the continent is now passing through a 
colder period than any of which we can find evidence in its 
previous geological history. 
Art. XII.—The Manufacture of Paper from Native Plants. 
By J. Cosmo Newbery, B. Sc., Analyst of the Geological 
Survey of Victoria. 
[Read 8th April, 1867.] 
The subject of paper-making from raw materials has been 
for many years occupying the special attention of manufac- 
turers in Europe and Ameriza, in reference to the supposed 
deficiency for meeting the increased demand for paper, con- 
sequent upon the progress of education, and the use of this 
material in various branches of industry. Hitherto rags have 
been the great staple upon which paper-makers have 
depended, and for many reasons they are the best 
adapted for the manufacture of the finer varieties of paper, 
they have passed through a thorough cleansing from refuse 
during their conversion from raw vegetable fibres into woven 
fabrics, and even the wear and tear to which they have 
been subjected, renders them particularly well adapted for 
the purpose. When, however, the manufacturer has to resort 
to raw material, the whole cost of this cleansing and prepar- 
ing has.to be defrayed by the paper produced. I am of 
course speaking of the best white rags; when those of an 
