PERFUMES 541 



Only about 25,000 seals were killed in 1928. Otters, skunks, sables, 

 weasels, foxes, and minks are of considerable importance as fur 

 producers. Even cats are now used, the fur usually masquerad- 

 ing under some other name. The fur of the beaver, one of 

 the largest of the rodents or gnawing mammals, is now difficult to 

 procure, but fur of considerable value is obtained from the muskrat, 

 squirrel, rabbits, and other rodents. The furs of the rabbit and 

 nutria are used in the manufacture of felt hats. The quills of the 

 porcupine (greatly developed and stiffened hairs) have a slight 

 commercial value for decorative purposes. 



Animal oils. Whale oil, obtained from the " blubber " of 

 whales, and formerly used for illumination, is now much used as a 

 lubricating oil. Neat's-foot oil comes from the feet of cattle and 

 is used for lubrication. Tallow from cattle and sheep, and lard 

 from hogs, have so many well-known uses that comment is 

 unnecessary. Cod-liver oil from the codfish is used medically. 

 Much oil is obtained also from the menhaden of the Atlantic 

 coast, which is used in dressing leather and making paints. Men- 

 hadens are also used in great quantities for fertilizers. 



Hides, horns, hoofs, etc. Leather made from the skins of 

 cattle, horses, sheep, goats, alligators, and snakes is used for shoes, 

 pocketbooks, coats, gloves, and for many purposes. Leather 

 manufacture is one of the great industries of the Eastern states, 

 hundreds of millions of dollars being invested in manufacturing 

 plants. Horns and bones are utilized for making combs, buttons, 

 handles for brushes, etc. Glue is made from the animal matter 

 in bones, horns, and hoofs. Ivory, obtained from the tusks of the 

 elephant, walrus, and other animals, forms a valuable commercial 

 product. It is largely used for knife handles, piano keys, and 

 combs. 



Perfumes. The musk deer, musk ox, and muskrat furnish a 

 valuable perfume called musk. Civet cats also give us a somewhat 

 similar perfume. Ambergris, a basis for delicate perfumes, is 

 formed in the intestines of the sperm whale. 



Practical Exercise 22. Tabulate the various products, other than meat, that 

 are obtained from animals. In the next column indicate the ones used in your 

 local industries. In the last column show uses of raw products to man. 



