PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECnNIC ASSOCIATION. 393 



danfj^er exists of interfering* with clue propagation of the species; the male 

 being- the best, the natives avoid catching- the females; only about one skin 

 of tlie latter to 500 of the former comes into the market. 



THE MINK. 



This fur greatly abounds in the United States, and, were it properly 

 managed, would vie with that of the sable; there is want of due protection 

 in tlie collection of the skins; no such regulations, as in the case of the 

 sable, being made. The animal is shot, when it ought to be trapped; and 

 not at the proper age. The evil of this will be, eventually, the animal will 

 either become extinct or so initiated as to be no longer a marketable article. 



THE FOX. 



This fur is not appreciated in this country, where a great deal is collec- 

 ted; but it goes to the European market. The Greeks, Turks, Persians, &c., 

 use it much, and give it the preference over others. There appears to be 

 no reasonable idea for this depreciation here inasmuch as it is heavy and 

 warm and just suitable to the climate of these regions. 



THE BADGER SKIN. 



This fur is used in Germany, or was in the olden time of stage and team 

 travelling, for the collars of the animals thus employed; the best team- 

 ster and smartest driver, would invariably provide them for his horses. — 

 The reason for the use, especially of the Badger skin, was that the rats 

 worried the horses at the way-side tavern stables, where the teamsters put 

 up f(/c the night. The rat is partial to the Badger skin; and when the col- 

 lar is hung up in the stable, the rats are attracted towards it and do not 

 molest or annoy the anim,als when at rest. Now we see a misapplication 

 of this ornament for the horse, in the prevalent use of Bear and other skins 

 which tend to frighten passing horses, and have no beneficial effect as in 

 the case of the Badger. 



The sacred tabernacle of the wandering Israelites was covered with skin 

 and fur, made from the Badger. The sheep skin should not be forgotten as 

 one most used in various ways. 



The English Rabbit is exported to this country for its fur, and the skin 

 of tlie Ostend rabbit is used as a covering; the carcase being exported to 

 the British Isles without the skin, where it is a favorite article of food. — 

 Some people have started the idea that the use of furs could be dispensed 

 with, and that on the other hand, an object in collecting the skins is to 

 endeavor to render the various specimens that give the fur extinct as ver- 

 min; but who that knows the value of the article, for wearing apparel, 

 would entertain this mistaken notion. 



The required amount killed for human clothing is but a small minimum, 

 compared with the amount that would be collected if needed. It provides a 

 sufficiency of labor, in inclement seasons and in sterile regions, to those 

 who would otherwise either want the necessities of life, or have to seek 

 other employment in distant countries. And the research, arising from the 

 hunt after skins, carries the white and civilized man far into the recesses 

 of the forest and of those inhospitable tracts of country, which would other- 

 wise remain unexplored; and as the Anglo Saxon, Celtic and Caucassian 



