UTILIZATION OF THE SKINS OF AQUATIC ANIMALS. 313 



use for tluit purpose, l^ractictilly the only beaver fur now receixed by 

 the hatters is the blown fur obtained from manufacturers' clippings 

 and that cut from sivins damaged in curing or otherwise, as has been 

 alread}^ noted in the chapter on hatters' furs. But even in using fur 

 from these sources, a light hat made from beaver can not be purchased 

 for less than about $10, and the price is likeh" to be $15 or more. 



MUSKRAT FURS. 

 DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF FUR. 



The fur of the muskrat is dense and soft, somewhat like that of the 

 beaver, but is shorter and inferior in denseness, lineness, and durability. 

 The color is generally drab lilue, in some cases with a whitish appear- 

 ance, and tipped with reddish brown. The fur of the small muskrat 

 found in Alaska is of a light silvery color, almost white on the abdomen, 

 and ver}^ line, the pelts from that localit}" being highl}^ prized when 

 beaver hats were in fashion. The fur is concealed by long, stiff, brown 

 overhairs on the upper surface and sides of the body. The general 

 color of the animal is dark umber brown, almost blackish brown on 

 the back and gray below, but specimens are found ranging through 

 the various shades of brown, blue, and yellow to pure white. 



In the Chesapeake and Delaware regions and, to a less extent, in other 

 parts of America, in addition to those of the usual coloring, some 

 individuals are very dark, so nearly black, in fact, that they are desig- 

 nated "black muskrats" in the trade. These are of superior quality 

 and value. In some specimens, especialh^ among those found in cer- 

 tain regions of Canada, the chest and abdomen is of a chestnut brown 

 and in others almost white, but the latter are b}- no means common. 

 Pure white muskrats are occasionally found, but the}^ are of no more 

 value in the trade than those of the ordinar}^ coloring, although highlj' 

 prized b}- collectors of natural-histor}^ specimens. As is the case w^ith 

 most aquatic mammals, the skins of those occurring in southern locali- 

 ties are thicker and more spongy than those in the colder latitudes. 

 Muskrat fur is inexpensive, the skins selling usually for 10 to 20 cents 

 each; however, under the skill of the fur-dresser and the dyer, it 

 assumes a high role in the form of imitations of more costly furs; in 

 retail stores it is found prepared in so many different wa3"S and with 

 such a variet}^ of finish as to be scarce!}" recognizable to the most 

 expert trappers who are familiar with the raw skins only. 



PRODUCT OF MUSKRATS AND THE MARKETS THEREFOR. 



While the annual product of muskrats is at present veiy large, this 

 extent is of comparativeh" recent development. During the eighteenth 

 century the annual yield was relatively small and the fur w^as little 

 prized. Many farmer bo3\s found it convenient to set a few traps, 

 using some of the skins for making caps, gloves, etc., and sending the 

 rest to the market. The average quantity received on the market 



