98 



FUR AND SCALES COVERING MAMMALIA. 



thicker than in summer ; and under the softer hairs we find a 

 greater or less quantity of down, which forms a part of it. The 



influence of temperature is 

 perceived in the same man- 

 ner, in the covering of 

 animals inhabiting different 

 climates ; for those of cold 

 countries have a thick fur, 

 abundantly furnished with 

 down ; whilst those of 

 warmer climates have 

 nothing but a few short, 

 dry hairs. That which 

 particularly distinguishes 

 Furs, is the fineness, 

 softness, brightness, and 

 abundance of the hair; 

 and after what has been 

 said with regard to the influence of the seasons and climate upon 

 the covering of the Mammalia, we may anticipate that it is in 

 the coldest countries, on the mountains, and particularly during 

 the winter, that the most beautiful fur-skins are found ; and, in 

 fact, it is from the North, that the greatest part of these are 

 brought. France, and the neighbouring countries, furnish some 

 furs ; but it is chiefly in Siberia, and the northern part of Ame- 

 rica, that the trade in Furs becomes really important. 



79. When the bulbs of the hair are set very close, the horny 



FIG. 48. SQUIRREL. 



FIG. 49. PANGOLIN. 



filaments which they produce unite themselves (as it were) 



