On the Fur Trade, and Fur-bearing Animals. 329 
Fox and seal skins are sent from Greenland to Denmark.* The 
white fur of the arctic fox and polar bear, is sometimes found in the 
packs brought to the traders by the most northern tribes of Indians, 
but are not particularly valuable. The silver-tipped rabbit is pecu- 
liar to England, and is sent thence to Russia and China.t+ 
Other furs are employed and valued accordingly to the caprices 
of fashion, as well in those countries where they are needed for de- 
fences against the severity of the seasons, as among the inhabitants 
of milder climates, who being of Tartar or Sclavonian descent, are 
said to inherit an attachment to furred clothing. Such are the inhabit- 
ants of Poland, of Southern Russia, of China, of Persia, of Turkey, and 
all the nations of Gothic origin in the middle and western parts of 
Europe. Under the burning suns of Syria and Egypt, and the mild 
climes of Bucharia and Independent Tartary, there is also a con- 
stant demand, and a great consumption, where there exists no phys- 
ical necessity. In our own temperate latitudes, beside their use in 
the arts, they are in request for ornament and warmth during the win- 
ter, and large quantities are a pes consumed for both purposes in 
the United States. 
From the foregoing statements, it appears that the fur trade must 
henceforward decline. The advanced state of geographical science 
shows that no new countries remain to be explored. In North Amer- 
ica, the animals are slowly decreasing from the persevering efforts and 
the indiscriminate slaughter practised by the hunters, and by the ap- 
propriation tothe uses of man of those forests and rivers which have 
afforded them food and protection. ‘They recede with the abori- 
gines, before the tide of civilization, but a diminished supply will 
remain in the mountains, and uncultivated tracts of this and other 
countries, if the avidity of the hunter can be restrained within proper 
limitations. With great respect, I am, &e. 
New York, November, 1833. 
* Crantz’s Greenland. 
+ Mr. Aikin states, “ lamb skins are imported by England” (for consumption there) 
“from Russia, and are of the four following varieties, black wavy from Astracan 5 
black curly from the Ukraine; gray curly from the Crimea; gray knotty from 
Persia.” 
Voi XXV.-—No. 2. 42 
