428 ON THE TRADE IN SKINS AND PURS. 



The Government of Newfoundland showed black bear skins, with a 

 superior collection of silver and red fox and otter. The foxes were very 

 fine, but the prices at which they were valued, too high. 



New South Wales had but two exhibitors, who showed a few speci- 

 mens of ornithorhynchus and native cat, of comparatively little value. 



From Nova Scotia there was but one representative, a Mr. Coleman, 

 who fully illustrated the furs of the colony. He sent some very fine 

 silver, cross, and red foxes, superior mink and musquash, for which the 

 province is noted ; these skins command higher prices at our London 

 sales than those trapped in the interior of North America. There were 

 also lynx, raccoon, and otter, with some few manufactured specimens, 

 forming in the whole a very interesting collection. 



From Queensland some opossum wrappers were shown as used by 

 the natives. In the Tasmanian collection the commissioners for the 

 colony and private exhibitors made an excellent display of indigenous 

 shins ; comprising the kangaroo, wallaby, wombat, opossum, native 

 cat, native tiger, and ornithorhynchus. The native tiger skins are 

 scarce ; they are applicable for hearth-rugs or mats. The ornithorhyn- 

 chus are also very rare ; they make up prettily into muffs and cuffs. The 

 skin of the kangaroo is more valuable for leather than for its fur ; but 

 that of the brush kangaroo (M. cceruleus), which is less woolly, would be 

 useful for carriage-wrappers. The opossum, wombat, and wallaby are 

 admirably light, and the fur being very thick, renders them invaluable 

 for native clothing and the use of colonists. These skins, although 

 not high priced, do not possess sufficient beauty to enter into competition 

 with our cheaper European furs. The chief application in this country 

 is for carriage-wrappers. Opossum-skins can be purchased in the colony 

 at 5s. per dozen. 



From British Guiana there were sent many specimens of sloth, 

 monkey, ant-eater, otter, and jaguar. These skins are instructive, as ex- 

 emplifying the natural history of the colony, but, with the exception of 

 the otter and the jaguar, are not of use to the furrier. The otter is very 

 large, and an interesting species ; the outer hair is a light brown, very 

 short, and much resembles a fur-seal ; its habits are those of the sea- 

 otter, and it is said to be very scarce. The colony possesses other species 

 of the monkey, but they were not exhibited. 



The colony of Natal sent several varieties of deer and antelope 

 skins, adapted for oil-dressed leather ; also lion and leopard skins. The 

 latter command good prices for hearthrugs and military purposes. There 

 were some carosses, of which that made from the springbok was the best ; 

 the others not being well-selected specimens. A fine land otter was ex- 

 hibited, much resembling that of this country. It is stated to be found 

 in all the principal rivers, and, if existing in sufficient numbers, maybe 

 made a beneficial article of export. 



From Prince Edward Island some nicely tanned sheepskin rugs ; also 

 a few furs, in fox, mink, &c, were shown, scarcely worthy of notice. 

 But the island possesses furs equal in quality to those of the neighbour- 



