374 Department of Conservation of Louisiana 



what is known as the Southern Top 'Rat. Compared with 

 the uniformed blackness of the natural black 'rat, the 

 southern tops are varied and lighter in color. Southern 

 tops are found in western Louisiana and a few in eastern 

 Texas, and are distinguishable from the other souther 

 'rats by their longer top hair, fuller fur and darker color. 



Southern 'Rats. — The skins of all other southern 'rats 

 are very flat and of a bluish-brown color. They are also 

 used in their natural state for coats and coat linings, 

 though sometimes they are dyed for Hudson seal. As such, 

 the pelt loses its strength, wears poorly and does not look 

 satisfactory. The leather of the southern 'rat is stronger 

 than that of the northern 'rat, from which most Hudson 

 seal is made. 



Northern 'Rats. — Northern rats, on the other hand, have 

 a weaker leather than the southerns, but their silkier, 

 heavier underfur makes them particularly adaptable for 

 Hudson seal. When the top hairs are plucked and sheared, 

 the full underfur dyed black, it appears rich and beautiful. 

 The natural color of the northern 'rat is reddish brown. 



The northern 'rats, found in the northern part of New 

 York state, are considered the best in quality and durability 

 and the largest in size. Almost as good as these are the 

 'rats from Michigan, Wisconsin and some parts of Minne- 

 sota. Illinois and Indiana yield large muskrats which have 

 a very heavy pelt, but are not full in fur. A good quality 

 'rat is also obtained from some of the New England states, 

 especially Maine and Vermont. They are large and possess 

 a fine, silky hair. 



Canadian 'Rats. — Canadian 'rats are the poorest of all 

 'rats in wearing quality. This is due to the fact that in 

 cold weather they absorb their own fat for food, which 

 thins the pelt and impoverishes the fur to some extent. 

 The silkiness of the hair does not compensate for the tender- 

 ness of the pelts. From only one section of Canada come 

 'rats strong enough in pelt for Hudson seal, and they are 

 the better qualities found around Rice lake, in Ontario. 

 Others are sometimes used for Hudson seal, but they must 

 be selected from among the best skins. The rest are made 



