The next operation which we have to notice, now that the paper is finished, is that of cutting it into standard sizes. Originally, the reel upon which it was finally wound, was formed so that its diameter might be lessened or increased at pleasure, according to the sizes which were required. Thus, for instance, supposing we wanted to cut the web of paper into sheets of 18 inches in length, we should either lessen the diameter of the reel to 6 inches, and thus the circumference to 18 inches, or if convenient increase it to 36 inches, afterwards cutting the paper in two with a large knife, similar in size and shape to that employed by a cheesemonger; the width of the web being regulated by the deckle straps (Q) to either twice or three times the width of the sheet, as the case might be. However, in regard to the length considerable waste, of necessity, arose, from the great increase in the circumference of the reel as the paper was wound upon it, and to remedy this, several contrivances have been invented. To dwell upon their various peculiarities or separate stages of improvement, would, no doubt, prove to the general reader of little comparative interest, I shall, therefore, confine my attention to a brief explanation of the cutting machine, of which I have given an illustration, and which is unquestionably the best, as well as the most ingenious, invention of the kind. The first movement or operation peculiar to this machine is that of cutting the web of paper longitudinally, into such widths as may be required. And this is effected by means of circular blades, placed at stated distances, which receive the paper as it issues direct from the other machinery, and by a very swift motion, much greater than that at which the paper travels, slit it up with unerring precision wherever they may be fixed. A pair of those circular blades is shown in the drawing (_a_), the upper one being much larger than the lower, which is essential to the smoothness of the cut. And not only is the upper blade larger in circumference, but it is also made to revolve with much greater rapidity, by means of employing a small pinion, worked by one at least twice its diameter, which is fixed upon the same shaft as the lower blade, to which the motive power is applied. The action aimed at is precisely such as we obtain from a pair of scissors. The web, as it is termed by the paper-maker, being thus severed longitudinally, the next operation is that of cutting it off into sheets of some particular length horizontally; and to do this requires a most ingenious movement. To give a very general idea of the contrivance, the dotted line is intended to represent the paper travelling on with a rapidity in some cases of 80 feet per minute, and yet its course has to be temporarily arrested while the required separation is effected, and that too without the paper’s accumulating in any mass, or getting creased in the slightest degree. [Illustration: CUTTING MACHINE.]