WASP, OR VESPA VULGARIS. 219 
nests must look. Could no use be made 
of the paper? 
3Iother. I have never heard of any 
experiments having been made for that 
purpose : but it has been observed, that, 
possibly, the example of the wasp might 
be advantageously followed, ana that we 
might manufacture paper from wood. In 
proof of which the Chinese paper is made 
of the bark of the bamboo. 
Lucy. I wonder, mamma, that no 
one has tried whether it could be done. 
Mother, I have seen very tolerable 
paper made of straw ; but straw is so 
much used as litter and provender for 
cattle, and in some parts of the country 
for thatching houses, that probably this 
paper would not be cheaper, than that 
which is made of rags. 
Lucy, I should like very much to 
know how paper is made from rags. 
Mother, Ask papa this evening , and 
I am sure he will with pleasure explain 
to you the whole process. 
Lucy, I will certainly ask him. Now, 
M 5 
