COMMON SQUIRREL. 235 



A white Squirrel was captured in Norfolk in 1885, 

 and a pied one was seen in 1888 in the same county. 

 Drab varieties are sometimes met with in the Siberian 

 Squirrel. 



The skin and the tail might both be used for com- 

 mercial purposes in this country, but a great drawback 

 is the high cost for collecting them. 



The Squirrel in former times was called the Calabar 

 in commerce. It is found in large quantities in Sweden, 

 Lapland, Eussia, and Siberia, where it forms an ex- 

 tensive article of commerce, being exported to Germany, 

 France and England in the form of linings. The 

 skins and tails are also exported unmanufactured. 



America also consumes a large quantity of Squirrel 

 skins, and China is at times a large buyer. In fact, 

 this serviceable fur is used nearly all over the world, 

 being justly appreciated for its lightness, warmth, and 

 at the same time low price. Squirrel skins are still 

 collected as taxes or tribute in parts of Siberia, where 

 they are taken in snares. 



The fur of the Squirrel was formerly extensively used 

 for boas in England, a few millions being imported 

 annually. In 1839, 2,730,826 skins were imported, but 

 this trade seems gradually to have declined, the 

 Germans surpassing every one in dressing and pre- 

 paring this fur. The Weissenfels dressers seem now to 

 have almost monopohzed this trade. This is chiefly 

 owing to the advantages Weissenfels possesses in the 

 various clay and salt deposits available near the town. 

 There are about 20 firms engaged in this trade in 

 Weissenfels, employing 300 dressers, 500 workmen, and 

 from 5,000 to 6,000 women and children for sewing and 

 piecing. By some firms 500,000 skins or more are 

 dressed annually. The skins are sorted and matched 



