INTRODUCTION. XXXV 



furs, the manufacture of muffs and linings for garments, 

 gloves, etc., with especial care to foster the trade in 

 domestic furs ; with a further grant of power to search 

 and present the offenders against the Guild to the Master 

 and Wardens for punishment according to law ; to seize 

 wares, sue, etc. ; also to appoint apprentices, who should 

 serve for seven years. 



The Hall is on Dowgate Hill. The Master and six 

 Wardens form the Court, or governing body. The 

 Liverymen number about 200, who take up the Livery 

 on payment of £50, and serve an apprenticeship of 

 seven years. There are also a clerk, accountant, 

 beadle, and under-beadle, who transact the legal and 

 other business of the Company. 



The Skinners' Company possesses some property in 

 the City and in the north of Ireland. It also owns the 

 Tunbridge School in Kent, the head-master of which 

 is appointed by the Court. It has a fine collection of 

 plate. The chief dinner is on Corpus Christi Day. 

 This was instituted on April 20, 1392. The ancient 

 name of the Company was " The Guild or Fraternity of 

 the Body of Christ of the Skinners of London." 



The Skinners' Company does not now exercise any 

 jurisdiction over the fur trade. 



West India Company. 



The West India Company was established in 1621. 

 It was a Dutch Company, and the>headquarters were in 

 New York. It exported Beaver skins only, but these 

 were shipped in large quantities. Its sole rival was the 

 Plymouth Company of England. 



