262 RODENTIA. 



this purpose. Many are also used for coat-linings, 

 kittens or the young animals being especially suitable. 



At one time this fur was only used for cutting, that is, 

 for making- hats. The late Sir William H. Poland was 

 the first to have these skins dressed in any quantities, 

 and he purchased two entire importations of the 

 Hudson's Bay Company for this purpose. 



In 1857 the following prices are quoted for Musquash 

 fur :— 



White Musquash .... 26s. per lb. 



Silvery 27s. 



,, superior .... 28s. ,, 



,, Mackenzie Eiver . . 30s. ,, 



,, cheek .... 30s. ,, 



,, ,, superior . . 34s. ,, 



,, ,, Mackenzie Eiver . 38s. ,, 



The price of Musquash fluctuates very much. The 



usual price for the best from Canada is from Is. to 



Is. 6d. Second and third quality and small skins are 



much cheaper. In January, 1875, 2s. 6d. was paid for 



No. 1 large brown Canada, and in 1806, 2s. 9d. was even 



paid per skin. 



By some white people, the flesh is said to be esteemed 

 good eating, and to resemble wild duck. 



In an old work on America the following account of 

 the Musquash is given (p. 147) : — 



" The Musquash is much like a Beaver for shape, but 

 nothing near so big ; the male hath two stones, which 

 smell as sw^eet as Musk, and being killed in Winter 

 never lose their sweet smell. The skins are no bigger 

 than a Coney skin, yet are sold for five shillings a piece, 

 being sent for tokens into England ; one good skin will 

 perfume a whole house full of Clothes if it be right and 

 ffood." 



