INTRODUCTION. xlv 



MissoiTRi Fur Company. 



The Missouri Fur Company was established in 1808 

 amongst the American Indians in the country of the 

 Sioux. Mr. Lisa, a Spaniard, was the most active 

 partner. The headquarters were at Fort Mandan and 

 San Louis. 



Pacific Fur Company. 



The Pacific Fur Company was estabUshed on the 23rd 

 June, 1810, by John Jacob Astor, who was appointed 

 President. The chief trading post was at Astoria. Its 

 chief competitor was the North-West Company, who 

 ultimately acquired the stock and forts of this Company. 

 On the amalgamation of the North-West Company with 

 the Hudson's Bay, Astoria formed the head depot on 

 the North-West coast, but was afterwards abandoned in 

 favour of Victoria in Vancouver Island. 



For a more detailed history of this Company, the 

 reader is referred to " Astoria," by Washington Irving. 



Dressing. 



The process of dressing is the method by which raw 

 skins are prepared before being manufactured into 

 articles of apparel. 



Of the various kinds of dressing, that performed by 

 the natives excels all others for suppleness and durability, 

 although they are sometimes surpassed in finish. The 

 Eed Indian is perhaps the best dresser of American fur ; 

 he undoubtedly was of the Buffalo. We cannot do 



