Papermaking using cationic starch and naturally anionic polysacchride gums

In the process of making paper by forming a paper furnish comprised of cellulosic fibers or cellulosic fibers and mineral filler material suspended in water, depositing the furnish on a papermaking wire, and forming a sheet out of the solid components of the furnish while carried on the wire, the improvement wherein there is mixed into the furnish, prior to its being deposited on the wire:

• 1) about 0.50 to 5 percent of cationic starch based on the dry weight to the total solids is the furnish, followed by;
• 2) about 5 to 60 percent based on the weight of the cationic starch, of a naturally anionic polysaccharide gum having acid functional groups;
• followed by
• 3) a polymeric fine solids retention aid added in an effective amount to retain fine solids.