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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 6

8. Rye-straw.—

8. Rye-straw.—

The claims of rye-straw (Secale cereale) have been urged as a paper material by Mr. Noble. It has the prima facie merit of being a home-grown ma-terial. Mr. Noble says:—"Rye (not 'rye-grass') should be sown early in October, so as to be cut green in May and June, in time to get the land clear for turnips and other vegetables. I have found it best to sow four bushels per acre for the purpose of getting a heavier crop, stifling the weeds, which would be injurious to the purpose for which it is intended; and the thinner and longer the stems are grown the more fibre they produce."

Mr. Noble believes that rye-straw will make paper not inferior to that made from esparto, and that papermakers can afford to give a price for it which will be sufficiently remu-nerative to the farmer to grow it.

Mr. Routledge remarks upon the proposal to use it:—"It is very largely used in the States, also on the Continent. It will make a harder and firmer paper than any other cereal straw, except, perhaps, maize."