"ALFA" (if carefully selected) so closely resembles "_Spanish_" "ESPARTO," in its _raw condition_, that it is very difficult to distinguish one from the other, and when the two are skilfully blended, it is impossible to do so, until the bleaching process of manufacture is reached; thus, it has happened, that during the past two or three years many thousands of tons of "ALFA," having taken a "tour" through "_Spain_," and being there naturalized, have found their way to England and been sold to the unsophisticated English Paper-maker as "_Spanish_" "ESPARTO," thus supplementing the rapid exhaustion of the indigenous grass of that country. "WOOD" "_Pulp_" as I have mentioned, is imported, both mechanically and chemically prepared, the latter (unbleached) finding a ready sale, at 24_l._ to 25_l._ per ton; "STRAW" "_Pulp_" also (bleached) realizes 26_l._ to 27_l._ per ton, but neither of these materials are likely to be introduced to any considerable extent. "_Paper-Stock_," resulting from either "BAMBOO" or "MEGASSE," will show a very large margin of profit from the figures I have quoted, thus allowing for any necessary reduction should prices fall from increased supplies. In concluding my "_Remarks_," having in the preceding Pages suggested the conversion of "_Raw Fibrous Substances_," notably, "BAMBOO" and "MEGASSE," into Fibrous "_Paper-Stock_," I ought perhaps distinctly to explain the difference between "_Half-Stuff_," or "_Pulp_," and "_Paper-Stock_," and my reasons for expressing a preference for the latter form of preparation,--a preference warranted, I believe, both by practical, and economical considerations. Whatever "_Material_" the Paper-maker employs, be it Rags (of any denomination) or any other "_Fibre_," or "_Fibrous_," substance, after Boiling, he disintegrates, or comminutes it into "_Half-Stuff_," before, or while bleaching. This process, carried a stage farther, converts the "_Half-Stuff_" into "_Pulp_." Herein, not less than in the proper selection of his "_Raw Material_," lies the skill of the Paper-maker, as, however good his "_Material_" may be, in its _Raw_ or normal condition, it may be very easily spoilt in either of the processes of Boiling,--Bleaching,--or Pulping. For example, when Bread is once toasted, thereby becoming brown (and the purer and whiter the greater the change), whereby its chemical and mechanical character has become altered, no power can reconvert it into its original condition; in like manner, however good a "_Raw Fibrous Material_" may be, if that "_Material_" be either over-boiled, or over-pulped, no power will restore its normal character.