If he didn't wish to use paper, he could have found a dozen other things.

I don't see how he could have found anyone able to prepare such a substance as this for writing.

It must have come from a country where it is actually in use.

Now, mark you, the papyrus-plant may still be found growing wild on the banks of the upper Nile, and also in Sicily, and it is made use of for ropes and other things of that sort.

But as to making writing material out of it, that is hardly possible for the art is lost.