SABLE. 
373 
that seem fit for this chase only,, it immediately 
makes to its retreat, which is generally in the hol- 
low of 3ome tree, towards the top, and which it is 
impossible to comeat without cutting it down. 
These animals are found in all the Northern 
parts of the world, from Siberia to China and Ca- 
nada. In every country they are hunted for their 
furs, which are very valuable, and chiefly so when 
taken in the beginning of winter. The most es- 
teemed part of the marten’s skin is that part 
©f it which is browner than the rest, and stretches 
along the back bone. Above twelve thousand of 
these skins are annually imported into England 
from Hudson’s bay, and above thirty thousand 
from Canada. 
Sable. 
The sable is a native of North America, Siberia, 
Kamtschatka, and Asiatic Russia. It is about 
eighteen inches in length ; and has a longish and 
rather sharpened head. Its general colour is a 
deep glossy brown. 
The skin of the sable is more valuable than that 
of any other animal. One of these, not above four 
inches broad has sometimes been valued as high 
as fifteen pounds ; but the general price is from 
one pound to ten, according to their quality. The 
sable’s fur is different from all others, in the hair 
turning with equal ease either way. The bellies 
of sables, which are sold in pairs, are about two 
fingers in breadth ; and are tied together in bundles 
of forty pieces, which are sold at from one to tw o 
pounds a bundle. The tails are sold by the hun- 
dred, at from four to eight pounds. 
The manner in which the natives of Kamtschatka 
lake these animals is very simple. They foiltfw 
