CASTOROLOGIA. 



195 



Beverley or Before-leag — beaver place — the ancient Anglo-Saxon 

 designation of the capital of the East Riding of Yorkshire, was situ- 

 ated in a country abounding with forest and rivers in the olden time; 

 but the beavers were long ago transferred from their lodges to the 

 arms of the borough. The seal of the corporation is : Argent; 

 three waves, Sable ; on a chief. Sable, a beaver statant regardant. 

 Argent. The oldest armorial bearings of Beverley emblazon Saint 

 John of Beverley, trampling on the ancient emblem of the town 

 — the beaver. Biberach or Biberbach, in Germany, also carries the 

 beaver in its armorial insignia. 



(1623-1674) (1710-1718) 



SEALS OF THE NEW NETHERLANDS. 



In America the all-absorbing interest of the beaver trade made 

 the adoption of the beaver in the heraldic bearings of corporations 

 and governments a most appropriate choice. The first public seal 

 of the province of New Netherlands is thus described ; Argent : 

 a beaver, proper ; crest ; a coronet. This was in use from 1623 to 

 1664 and probably even to the time of Governor Colve in 1673-4. 



The warrant for the new seal authorized by King William 

 and Queen Mary was brought over from England by Governor 

 Slough ter, and bears date 31st May, 1690. It served as the model 

 for all the great seals of New York, subsequently received from 



