934 
FOREST ANT) STREAM. 
S tl 4 Brapying. 
FUR MARKET QUOTATIONS. 
[Furnished by C. G. Gunther's Sons.] 
Bear, Northern, acoording to size and quality, 
■prime..—.$#.00 to $ 
Bear, Southern and Northern yearlings. . 6.00 to 
Beaver, Northern, per skin, Parchment, according 
to size and color.- . . 4.50 to 
Beaver, Western, according to size and color 3.00 to 
Beaver, Southern, and ordinary, per skin, acoording 
to size. . 2.00 to 
Badger. 
Oat, Wild, Northern and Eastern States, cased. 
Cat, Wild. Southern and Western. 
Oat, House, ordinary, if large. 
Cat, House, black, furred, according to color. 
Fisher, Northern and Eastern, according to size and 
20 to 
60 to 
30 to 
05 to 
26 to 
color..5.00 to 8.00 
Fisher, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Western, according 
to size and colors..3.00 to 
Fisher, Southern, according to size and color. 2.00 to 
Fox, Silver, do..15.00 to 
Fox. Cross, Northern and Eastern, do. . 2.50 to 
Fox, Red. Northern Hnd Eastern, do. . , 1,10 to 
Fox, Red, Southoro Pennsylvania, Now Jersey and 
Northern Ohio, do. 75 to 
Fox, Red, Southern and Western, do. 50 to 
Fox, Grey, Northern and Eastern, cased, do. 75 to 
Fox, Grey, Southern atid Western, do . 50 to 
Fox, Grey, North and East, open, do „ — . 50 to 
Fox, Grey, South and Wost, open, do. 30 to 
Fox, Kitt, do. 30 to 
Lynx, do .2.50 to 
Martin, States, do. 75 to 
Mink, New York and New England, do . . .. 1.35 to 
Mink, Canada, do ..-.1.00 to 
Mink, Southern New York, New Jersey. Pensyl vania. 
and Ohio, do. 60 to 
Mink, Maryland, Virginia. Kentucky, Indiana, Wis¬ 
consin and Iowa,do . ... 40 to 
Mink, Missouri and all Southern, do . . 30 to 
Muskrat, Northern New Fork audEastern, Spring.. 14 to 
Muskrat, Western, Including Pennsylvania k Ohio, 
Spring. . 
Muskrat, Northern and Eastern, Fall and Winter... 
Muskrat, Pennsylvania and Ohio, Winter. . .. 
Muskrat, Western, Winter.. 
Muskrat, Southern, Prime, Winter. 08 to 
Muskrat, Southern, Winter and Fall.. 04 to 
Muskrat, Kittens -. . - . 02 to 
Otter, Northern and Eastern, and Northwestern, ao- 
10 to 
OK to 
08 to 
06 to 
jr, uriuci'u auu biiuwi u« hiiu iiuiiuvvit'ru. uu- 
. jrding to size and color, Prime .. — 6.00 to 
Otter, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio and West¬ 
ern-do .. 0-1 lo 
Otter.. Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Kansas and 
vicinity, do. 3,00 to 
Otter, North Carolina, do.2.00 to 
Otter, South Carolina and Georgia, do. i.00 to 
Opossum, Northern, cased, do. 08 to 
Opossum, Southern and open Northern, do.. 06 (O 
Raccoon, Michigan, Northern Indiana, Indian haul 
died, dark, according to size and color, Prime. 60 to 
Rsoaoon, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. 
do . 
80 to 
Racooon, New York and Eastern States and North¬ 
ern Ohio, do. .. ... 45 to 
Raccoon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illi¬ 
nois, Missouri, Nebraska ana Kansas, New Madrid, 
do. 30 to 
Raccoon, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and Ten¬ 
nessee. do. . . . ... - — 30 to 
Raccoon, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Ar¬ 
kansas. Florida and Alabama, do . 15 to 
Rabbits, Prime cased. 02 to 
Skunks, prime black, I., cased. — 
Skunks, prime black, I., open. 70 to 
Skunks, prime } white str>ak, II., cased. 60 to 
Skunks, primei white streak, II., open. 
.._ _ _85 to 
Skunks, whole streaked, III.and IV . 15 to 
Skunks, scabs. — 
Wolf skins, mountain, large, do . ..1.25 to 
Wolf skins, prairie, average prime skins, do., - 75 to 
v Skins to bring tbis price must be really fair sized, prime, dark 
and fine. 
t Skins with only two finger marks of white on the bead, we 
also call black. 
Grei n skins are worth twelve cents less per skin than dried and 
wel hetretched skins. 
Woodchucks, squirrels, weasels and ordinary house cats are 
worthless. 
N. B.—Above quotations are f or a 11 kindB of prime skins, accord¬ 
ing to size and color. Good size and good color, of course, com¬ 
mand outside figures, and as much more or less as the market 
warrants us in paying- when they come to hand. 
Snow-Shoe Slippers. — Mr, Editor :—The receipt of a 
pair of snow-shoes from Quebec reminds me of your re¬ 
quest for a reply to the letter quoted below, aud I cheer¬ 
fully reply through your columns, that every snow-shoer 
may know there is no longer occasion for one to be "a 
martyr to the toe-strap":— 
Danesfort Mallow, Courts' Core, Ireland. 
In Forest and 8tream lor March 27, ’79, page 146, Mr. Everett 
Smith speaks of snow-shoe slippers. How da they differ from the 
ordinary snow-shoe, low moccasin used with straps '/ and how 
are these slippers fastened and used ? 
Perhaps Mr. Smith would give a full explanation, and reoieve 
the thanks of many a martyr toitoe-strap and snow-shoe bar. 
Joseph S. Hunt. 
The “ snow-shoe slipper" is in form similar to the for¬ 
ward half of an ordinary sli pper. To t >is is attached a 
“heel-strap” that may be lengthened or shortened by 
means of buckles at the side of the foot. This slipper is 
fastened to the snow-shoe in such a manner that it plays 
with perfect freedom in the toe space, but cannot slip for¬ 
ward againt the toe-bar of the snow-shoe, nor slip back 
so as not to turn in the toe space. Neither can it slip 
about to one side. Owing to this fact, very much fatigue 
is saved that is ordinarily caused by the lack of a firm 
footing. When the common toe-strap stretches it allows 
the foot to slip about so that the toe touches the bar when 
descending a hill, and on ascending one is obliged to curl 
down the toes, or literally “ hang on by the toes” to pre¬ 
vent the foot slipping back on the snow-shoe ; and this 
requires additional exertion, consequently additional 
fatigue. The slipper never allows the toe to press against 
the bar, nor doe6 it allow the foot to slip back, and there¬ 
fore enables one to “hold on” well when ascending or 
descending, and affords a firm footing at all times. 
But the greatest of the many benefits derived by use of 
the slipper, is the freedom from foot-soreness afforded. 
The weight of the snow-shoe is so evenly distributed over 
the whole foot, instead of on a toe-strap, that the toes are 
no more subjected to chafing than when walking without 
snow-shoes on the ground. In addition to this immunity 
from chafing, the slipper protects the foot from blistering 
on the hall as well as serving as an additional covering to 
keep the foot warm and dry. 
Unlike the toe-strap, which requires frequent adjust¬ 
ment (causing no little inconvenience, especially to nov¬ 
ices and to ladies), the slipper is kept constantly fastened 
to the snow-shoe ready for use, and one needs only to 
press the foot into the slipper, tighten the heel-strap 
(which buckles), and the wearer is ready for an all-day 
tramp without any further adjustment, whether the 
walking be wet or dry. The snow-shoe is taken off by 
simply slipping the heel-strap down, thereby liberating 
she foot. 
Another advantage of the slipper is, that one can use it 
without dressing especially for snow-shoeing. And al¬ 
though moccasins mayhe preferred, the slippers may be 
used equally well if one wears boots or overshoes. The 
ladies will appreciate this convenience, as well as the ease 
of adjusting them to the feet. Since the memory of liv¬ 
ing man the same method of fastening snow-shoes to the 
feet by means of toe-straps aud thongs has been employed, 
and is still in general vogue. Great and permanent im¬ 
provements have been made in the method of fastening 
skates to the feet, but none for snow-shoes until the one 
here described, which will undoubtedly he generally 
adopted wlien-its merits are known. The drawbacks of 
snow-shoeing are numerous, and some of them serious, 
when the toe-strap is used. But as these drawbacks are 
overcome by use of the “ snow-shoe slippers,” long tramps 
may be taken day after day without rendering the snow- 
shoer footsore, and the combined comfort and conven¬ 
ience afforded by the slippei's will serve to make snow- 
shoeing more popular as an amusement as well as giving 
relief to “ martyrs to the toe-strap.” 
Although there may he no especial adva ntage to he 
gained on a beaten track in a race of a lew hundred 
yards, yet for eveiy other occasion, whether for a short 
or long tramp, and most especially the latter, the advan¬ 
tages and benefits of the ' 1 snow-shoe slipper” are most 
appreciable. 
These slippers may he obtained in Portland, Me., U. S- 
A., and probably in any of the leading cities of Canada. 
They are manufactured by W. H. Parker. St. Elie, St. 
Maurice County, Province Quebec, Canada. 
I will be pleased to procure them in Portland for any 
one who may wish them. I have worn one pair upwards 
of a thousand miles, and they appear to be serviceable, 
for as much more use. Everett Smith, 
.Clogging of Bear Traps. —In using- steel traps for 
bears, it is necessary that the same be properly clogged, 
otherwise both trap and game will be often lost, A 
faulty but very common method is to fasten the end of 
the chain to the middle of a sapling five or six feet in 
length, which an old bear will sometimes pick up and 
walk away with : and, unless there is snow for a trail, it 
is good-bye to trap and bear. Again, sucli a dog, drag¬ 
ging at right angle to the trail is soon hutig up in thick 
growth, when the hear in his rage and full strength will 
pound with the trap—if the chain is long — aud break it, 
or the bones of the leg and twist it off, aud frequently 
he goes to a tree, when he is only got by cutting it dow n 
thereby endangering the trap. Sometimes a grapnel is 
used instead of a clog, and with like results. For a proper 
clog, cut a tough, hard wood sapling, trimming off all 
limbs and forks several inches from the body, aiming to 
have as scraggy a tip as possible, with the whole length 
ten or twelve feet, and four inches diameter at the butt, 
to which, at the extreme end, attach the clevis with chain 
as short as possible. This will allow a bear to go straight 
away, seldom fouling, until he gives up exhausted. With 
such a clog he cannot tree, neither can he pick it up and 
walk successfully ; added to this, there is a well-defined 
trail, the following of which is the height of enjoyment 
to the trapper. Loring, 
Improved Tanning Process.— Dr. Chr. Heinzerling, 
A. M., of Frankfort, Germany, has invented and patented 
a new and improved tanning process, which produces 
better and more durable leather, and is from twenty to 
twenty-five percent, less expensive than the old methods. 
The greatest advantage that it possesses over the old 
methods is that it requires but three to five days, instead 
of as many months. 
The ra w hides are unhaired and swelled in the ordinary 
manner, and are thou placed in a solution of sour bi¬ 
chromate of potassa, or sour chromate of soda, or sour 
chromate of magnesia and alum, or sulphate of alumiua 
a.nd salt. They remain in this solution for a few days, 
according to the thickness and quality of the hides and 
the concentration of the solution. Instead of placing the 
hides directly in one of the above solutions, they can be 
first submitted to the action of a solution containing 
about ten per cent, of alum and some small pieces of 
zinc. By the action of the alum and the zinc, amor¬ 
phous alumina (clay) is deposited upon the fibers of the 
hide, and prevents an injurious action cf the strong solu¬ 
tions. If the hides have been in the above solutions of 
soda or alum for a certain time, a few per cent, of fer- 
rocyanide or ferricyanide of potassa are added, which will 
prove to be very effective for the leather to be used for 
the uppers of shoes. They are then placed into a solu¬ 
tion of chloride of barium or aceta te of lead or soap fora 
few days, to fix the tanning substance. They are then 
dried and treated in the ordinary manner with fat or 
paraffine, or naphtha dissolved in benzine and similar sub¬ 
stances, to which a small quantity of thyrnot or carbolic 
acid should be added .—Deutsche Industrie Zeitiuig. 
Learning Taxidermy.— Corcilville, Johnson Co., Iowa. 
Dec. 3d,—I was teasing my John to mount some birds by 
the instructions contained in “ Sportsman's Gazetteer, ’ 
when he suggested that perhaps I could mount them.- 
Happy thought! I made the attempt and succeeded be¬ 
yond all expectation. As I write, a green winged teal 
and a beautiful white throated quail are (apparently) look- 
life touches to the beautiful birds, arch the ne7;k, aud 
paint the eyes, etc., and I have repeatedly caught myself 
anxiously inquiring of my husband. “ ( tau' t you go hunt¬ 
ing to-day? I should like some more birds to mouut.” 
Mrs. John. 
—We call attention to the advertisement of Mr. Joseph 
Parker. Mr. P. is the oldest importer of cricket mate¬ 
rial in the country, his house having been established in 
1851; $5,000 would hot cover the sales of last season. 
^atilting and Routing. 
On Deck Again. —We must ask the indulgence of 
numerous correspondents and contributors for delay in 
attending to their affairs, a somewhat extended cruise to 
the southward having prevented the immediate attention 
they deserve. With our harkie hauled out for winter, it 
will be fair sailing again in these columns. The huge 
pile of letters and missives which awaited our return was 
gratifying proof of the extended recognition Forest and 
Stream has reoeived as the leading yachting journal of 
America. It is our purpose in the future, should nothing 
unexpectedly interfere, to make these columns more at¬ 
tractive than before, by incorporating much that is of 
practical value to our readers. 
To Yacht Builders. —An order is in the market for a 
sloop about 37 ft. on deck, 33 ft. water line, 14 ft. beam, 
8 ft. deep. Model will be furnished. Usual construction, 
pine cabin, no spars or sails. If our city builders can 
offer figures low enough the work will be placed here. 
Apply at this office. Several other contracts are also to 
he placed through us. 
The Henriette. — This steam yacht, the property of 
Mr. Henri Say, came to grief one hundred miles south of 
Cape Henry, by breaking her shaft. M. Say aud family, 
with the guests, were transferred to a Norwegian bark 
bound for Baltimore, and the yacht made for Hampton 
Eoads under sail. Whether the breaking of the shaft is 
due to poor forging, or is to be ascribed to one of tlioss 
faults in the metal that it is impossible to prevent or de¬ 
tect in workmanship remains to be seen. 
Columbia Yacht Club. — Editor Forest and Stream : — 
New York. Dec. 3d .— At a regular meeting of the Colum¬ 
bia Yacht Club, held at their club-house on Tuesday even¬ 
ing. the following officers were elected for 1880 Com¬ 
modore, W. J. Greacen ; Vice-Commodore, Emil Ebero- 
pacher : Recording Secretary, Chas. M. Armstrong ; Fi¬ 
nancial Secretary, James D. DeGroot ; Treasurer, George 
Runk ; Measurer, M, J. Kelleher. For delegates to Yacht¬ 
ing Association for 1880, John Frick, Abner B. Inglee, 
and Joa. A. Weaver John Frick, 
Secretary C. Y. C. 
THE PAST YACHTING SEASON. 
third paper. 
I specially compiled for forest And stream.] 
O N the 28th two good clubs, the Atlantic of New 
York and the Eastern of Boston, held a joint regatta 
at New London, where then - squadrons had met on a 
cruise. The rule was cruising trim, and there was some rare 
sport, the wind freshening up from the southwest and 
bringing up a sea that tided the qualities of sloops rather 
unpleasantly. It was fun for the big chaps, of course, 
and fun for the cutter Enterprise, though not quite as 
jolly for some of the single jibs. The cutter’s perform¬ 
ance was the most remarkable feature of the race ; she 
heat Winsome and Regina easily, though she parted peak 
halyards, against which accident, however, must he set 
tiie picking up of a man apiece by the two sloops, which, 
spite of the vaunted superior safety of sloops in rough 
water, each managed to get a hand overboard, while the 
cutter, that according to “ Podgers ” should have been 
the distressed craft, carried her crew all right. Spite of 
her accident. Winsome was too much for Regina, which 
only took third place, Schemer getting in ahead of her. 
There were four first class schooners in the scrimmage— 
Foam, Intrepid, Atalantaimd Phantom —and in the good 
breeze and steep sea, size aud power told their tale, In¬ 
trepid rushing to the front and keeping the lead, till 
‘* crack!” went her bowsprit close to the stem, and crack ! 
went all her chances of the prize, too, Phantom sailing 
uncommonly well, landing it for her owner. The second 
class schooners comprised Agnes, Azalea and Peerless ; 
the latter split her jib, and was thrown out of the race, 
not, however, before she had given the Easterns a taste 
of her quality, after which A pass, going in excellent form, 
took the stakes from Azalea. 
The 4th of July being given up to pleasure, yacht 
racing was largely indulged in, and the Huh of the Uni¬ 
verse had a city regatta, for which a veritable fleet had 
entered. The west-southwest breeze was sufficiently 
strong, as it turned out. to scare large numbers of “ can¬ 
vas-backs,’’and instead of 91 racing flags,42 only were flung 
out; and who shall say that the “ no, thank-you’s” were 
not justified in keeping out of the fray, since every one is 
not fond of a plunge-bath ? Considering the force of the 
breeze, the time made was not as good as one would ex¬ 
pect from some theorists’ accounts of what American 
sloops and sehooners can do in a breeze ot wind ; but 
looked at from a practical point of view, it was very sat¬ 
isfactory, the thrash to windward being allowed for. 
Thistle lost her kites, and at the finish 6he ran into the 
committee steamer, much in the same manner that 
Marina, cutter, did some years ago when rounding the 
Mouse lightship. Rebie turned turtle, and Tlnsbe split 
her mainsail in a heavy jibe, while Nonpariel carried 
away her mast—a very fair total of mishaps. Madcap 
took the $50 first prize,' offered for Bloops over thirty-five 
feet in length, and Breeze the $50 for schooners, a protest 
against her by Adrienne having been settled in her favor. 
Adrienne did not manage to score, as both Elfin and 
Fearless beat her. In the second class, schooners, keel- 
sloops and centre-hoard sloops contended —Hermes defeat¬ 
ing Loiterer , with whom she made a match of it, Shadow 
proving the best of the boards, and Viking adding an¬ 
other trophy to her stock by very easily getting away 
from Hector, Gael, Annie and Empress. In the third 
class, Fannie, centre-board, and Sunbeam, keel, netted 
$35 apiece as their record for coming in ahead, and Fancy 
and Crescent , among the mosquito centre-boards and 
