164 TEXTILE FIBRES. 



The colder climates produce the hardest bristles, and the warmer districts 

 softer in proportion. 



The finest or smallest bristles are not readily adapted for shaving or 

 other brashes, and some are utilised for upholstery purposes. 



Fig. 109. Hog bristles. 



Sable (Mustela zibellina). The fur from the skin of the Sable is 

 much used by painters, and by designers of textile fabrics for point- 

 paper designs in Jacquai d or fancy brocades, damasks, and leno or gauze 

 goods. 



Sable fur has a peculiar stiffness, and when the hairs are made into 

 fine designers' brushes they are readily adapted to fill up the small 

 squares of point-paper with vermilion, red, and various other colouring 

 matters used by textile designers in the fancy weaving trade. 



Squirrel or Calabar (Sciurus vulgaris). The skins of the squirrel 

 are always in demand for ladies' and children's wear. They are imported 

 under the commercial name of Calabar. 



