Figure 143
For large animals, such as the deer, bear, beaver, the hoop stretcher is generally employed.
This consists of a hoop made from one or more flexible switches tied together so as to form a circle. In order to be adapted to this mode of stretching, the skin should be flat,i. e.taken off as described onpage 172, the initial cut extending from the lower jaw to the vent. The size of the hoop required depends upon the dimensions of the skin. Lay the latter upon some flat surface and so gauge the hoop as that it shall surround the pelt on all sides; after which the latter should be secured or laced to the hoop with twine at the edges. All loose parts should be drawn up, and the skin should everywhere be stretched like a drum head. When this is accomplished it is the custom with many trappers to apply the preparation described onpage 273, particularly where the skin is thick and fatty. But we are rather disposed to discourage the use of any preparation whatever, in any case, as they are by no means necessary.
In using the board stretchers the fur should always be on the inside, and when the hoop or bow is used it should be placed in such a position, that the air may circulate freely on both sides of the skin, which should not be removed until thoroughly dry.
In case some of our readers might desire to tan fur skins for their own domestic purposes, the subjoined directions will be found to be reliable, and for all ordinary requirements, sufficiently adequate.
For tanning with the hair on, the skin should first be cleaned, every particle of loose fat or flesh, being removed, and the useless parts cut away. When this is done, it should be soaked for an hour or two in warm water. The following mixture should then be prepared: Take equal parts of borax, saltpetre, and sulphate of soda, and with them mix water sufficient to produce the consistency of thin batter.
This preparation should be painted thickly on the flesh side of the skin, after which these sides should be doubled together and the pelt left in an airy place.
A second mixture should next be prepared. This should consist of two parts sal soda; three parts borax; four parts castile or other hard soap: all to be melted together over a slow fire. At the end of twenty-four hours, after the application of the first mixture, the second should be applied in a similar manner, and the fur again folded and left for the same length of time. Next, make a mixture equal parts of salt and alum, dissolved in warm water and thickened with coarse flour to the consistency of thin paste. Spread this thickly over the skin and allow it to dry, after which it should be scraped off with the bowl of a spoon. The skin should be tightly stretched during the operation, in order to prevent too great shrinkage. A single application of the last-named dressing, is generally sufficient for small skins; but a second or third treatment may be resorted to if required, to make the skin soft and pliable, after which it should be finished off with sand-paper and pumice stone. A skin may be thus dressed as soft as velvet, and the alum and salt will set the hair securely.
The above directions are excellent, for all general purposes, but we subjoin, in addition, a few other valuable hints and specific recipes in common use. Every trapper has his own peculiar hobby in regard to his tanning process, and the recipes are various and extensive. The above is one of the most reliable for general use. A common mode of tanning mink and muskrat skins is given in the following:—
Before tanning, the skin should always be thoroughly cleansedin warm water, and all fat and superfluous flesh removed. It should then be immersed in a solution made of the following ingredients: Five gallons of cold soft water; five quarts wheat bran; one gill of salt; and one ounce of sulphuric acid. Allow the skins to soak in the liquid for four or five hours. If the hides have been previously salted, the salt should be excluded from the mixed solution. The skins are now ready for the tanning liquor, which is made in the following way: into five gallons of warm, soft water, stir one peck of wheat bran and allow the mixture to stand in a warm room until fermentation takes place. Then add three pints of salt, and stir until it is thoroughly dissolved. A pint of sulphuric acid should then be poured in gradually, after which the liquor is ready. Immerse the skins and allow them to soak for three or four hours. The process of "fleshing" is then to be resorted to. This consists in laying the skin, fur side down, over some smooth beam, and working over the flesh side with a blunt fleshing tool. An old chopping knife, or tin candlestick, forms an excellent substitute for the ordinary fleshing knife, and the process of rubbing should be continued until the skin becomes dry, after which it will be found to be soft and pliable. The skin of the muskrat is quite tender, and the fleshing should be carefully performed.
These should be stretched on a board and smeared with a mixture composed of three ounces each, of salt and alum; three gills of water, and one drachm of sulphuric acid. This should be thickened with wheat bran or flour, and should be allowed to dry on the skin, after which it should be scraped off with a spoon. Next, take the skin from the board, roll it with the fur inside, and draw it quickly backward and forward, over a smooth peg, or through an iron ring. The skin should then be unfolded and rolled again the opposite way, and the operation repeated until the pelt is quite soft and flexible. This is a good way of softening all kinds of skins, and the above preparation will be found excellent for all ordinary purposes. The muskrat skin may be treated in the same manner as the above, if desired, and the process directed on the muskrat skin may also be applied to the pelts of the other animals.
To remove the fur for a simple tanned skin, the hide should be immersed in a liquid composed of—soft water, five gallons; slaked lime, four quarts; and wood ashes, four quarts. Allowthe skin to soak for a couple of days, after which the fur will readily slip off.
Another method—take equal parts wood ashes and slaked lime, and add water to the consistency of batter. Spread this over the inside of the skin, roll it up, and place it in a pail, covering it with water. Here let it remain from one to five days, or until the hair will shed easily, after which it should be finished with the fleshing knife and velveted with sand paper.
In all cold climates, man has availed himself liberally of the warm covering with which nature has clothed the animals around him; but the wealth of the most favored nations has drawn to them the most beautiful furs, in whatever part of the world they are procured. Skins of animals were among the first materials used for clothing. Before Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden of Eden, they were furnished with coats of skins. The ancient Assyrians used the soft skins of animals to cover the couches or the ground in their tents, and the Israelites employed badger's skins and ram's skins, as ornamental hangings for the Tabernacle. The ancient heroes of the Greeks and Romans, are represented as being clothed in skins. Æneas, wearing for an outer garment, that of the lion, and Alcestes being formidably clad in that of the Libyan Bear. Herodotus speaks of those living near the Caspian Sea wearing seal skins, and Cæsar mentions that the skin of the reindeer formed in part the clothing of the Germans. In the early period, furs appear to have constituted the entire riches of the Northern countries, and they were almost the only exports. Taxes were paid on them, and they were the medium of exchange. So it was also in our own Western territories in the latter part of the last century, and is to the present day, to a great extent, among the Indians. In the eleventh century, furs had become fashionable throughout Europe, and the art of dyeing them, was practiced in the twelfth. In the history of the Crusades, frequent mention is made of the magnificent displays by the European Princes, of their dresses of costly furs, before the Court at Constantinople. But Richard I. of England, and Philip II. of France, in order to check the growing extravagance in their use, resolved that the choicer furs, ermine and sable amongst the number, should be omitted from their kingly wardrobes. Louis IX. followed their example in the next century, but notuntil his extravagance had grown to such a pitch, thatseven hundred and forty-sixermines were required for theliningof one of hissurcoats. In the times, the use of the choicer furs, as those of the sable, ermine, gris, and Hungarian squirrel, was restricted to the royal families and the nobility, to whom they served as distinctive marks and badges of rank. These privileged persons applied them lavishly to their own use, and the fashion extended to the princes of other less civilized nations. Their royal use soon extended to Tartary, and the tents of the Khan were bedecked with the most rich and costly furs. In the following century, furs were commonly worn in England until their use was prohibited by Edward III., to all persons whose purse would not warrant a yearly expenditure of £100.
The early fur trade of Western Europe, was conducted through the merchants on the south coast of the Baltic, who received goods from the ports of Livonia. In the sixteenth century, a direct trade was opened between the English and Russians; and a company of the former, protected by the Czar, established trading posts on the White Sea, and a warehouse at Moscow, whence they sent trading parties to Persia and the countries on the Caspian Sea. The Czar sent rich presents of beautiful furs, to Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth; but the latter prohibited the wearing of any but native furs, and the trade soon declined and was abandoned. In the 17th century, Siberia was conquered by the Russians, and its tribute was paid in furs. Large quantities were also furnished to China, but the choicest kinds—the precious ermine, the brilliant, fiery foxes, and the best sables, were taken to Moscow, for the use of the princes and nobles of Russia, Turkey, and Persia.
In our own country, the early settlers of the Northern provinces, soon learned the value of the furs of the numerous animals which peopled the extensive rivers, lakes, and forests of these vast territories. They collected the skins in abundance, and found an increasing demand for them, with every new arrival of immigrants from the mother country. Trinkets, liquors, and other articles sought for by the native tribes, were shipped to Quebec, and from thence up the St. Lawrence to Montreal, which soon became the great trading post of the country. The various tribes of Indians were stimulated by trifling compensation, to pursue their only congenial and peaceful occupation; and the French settlers, readily assimilating to the Indian habits, became themselves expert hunters, trappers, and explorers.
The business prospered, and the English soon became interested and secured a share of the valuable trade. Manywealthy and influential parties, connected with the government of Great Britain,—Prince Rupert and Lord Ashley, among the number—became deeply interested in this source of revenue; and after a successful enterprise, they obtained from Charles II., a charter of incorporation, giving to them full possession of the territory within the entrance of Hudson's Straits, not already granted to other subjects, or possessed by those of any other Christian prince or State. In this charter was included the monopoly, of all trade in these regions, and thus we see the origin of the Great Hudson's Bay Company, which is to-day, one of the largest organizations of its kind on the globe. The territory they claimed, extended from Hudson's Bay, west to the Pacific, and north to the Arctic Ocean, excepting that occupied by the French and Russians. They soon formed settlements upon the various rivers which empty into Hudson's Bay, and carried on their operations with immense vigor and success. They met with much opposition and open hostility from the French, and were subjected to vast expenses and losses, but in spite of all, they continued to prosper. Their forts or factories were extended further into the interior of British America, and their power was supreme throughout the country, and in a great measure over the Indians, whom they employed to collect their skins. In the course of time, the French Canadians organized themselves into a united band, under the name of the North West Company, and established their headquarters at Montreal. Their operations were carried on with great energy and profit, and many factories were built in the western portion of the Province. The company thus soon became a formidable competitor with the Hudson's Bay Company and for a period of two years, an actual state of war existed between them. This condition of affairs finally terminated in a consolidation of the two organizations, under the name of the Hudson's Bay Company, the privileges of which extended over all the territory formerly occupied by both.
Thus, we have the history of the famous Hudson's Bay Company, from its origin to its perfect organization. It is a most stupendous concern, and its annual shipment of furs, is something amazing. Their great sales take place in the month of March, in order to be completed before Easter; and again in September, every year at London, and are attended by purchasers from nearly all parts of the world. Leipsic, the famous fur mart of Germany, is also the scene of a great annual fair, for the sale of skins.
The importance of the fur trade in this country, led to theearly settlement of the Western territories of the United States; and many a frontier city, like St. Paul, has been built up by the enterprise of the trapper. Mackinaw and Montreal owe much of their growth to the traffic of the fur trade; and many a kingly fortune—John Jacob Astor's, for instance—has been founded on peltry.
Besides the above fur sales in London a moderate portion of those annually collected in the United States are retained for use, amounting to about 150,000 mink and 750,000 muskrat skins, besides a number of other furs which are manufactured and worn.
The annual yield of raw furs throughout the whole world is estimated at over twenty millions of dollars in value; and when we include the manufactured articles therefrom, the amount will swell to a hundred millions or over. This will serve to give some idea of the immensity and value of the business.
American dealers divide our native furs into two classes, viz.,homeandshippingfurs; the former being chiefly utilized in our own country, while the latter are exported to all parts of the world. New York City is the great fur mart and depot for the shipping trade in this country, and the annual value of its exports, in this one branch of trade is enormous.
The principal shipping furs are the silver, red and cross Fox, Wild Cat, Raccoon, Fisher, Muskrat and Skunk.
Among the home furs are the Marten, Mink, Opossum, Wolf and Muskrat, the latter being extensively used both here and abroad.
In the following chapter will be found more detailed notes on the leading American furs, including their various uses and the different countries for which they are the especial staples.
In order to give the reader some idea of the variety and magnitude of the yield of furs from our own country, we annex a table (p. 282) showing the sales of the Hudson's Bay Company, at London, in the year 1873.
Below will be found an authentic table of the comparative values of the various American furs at the present date of publication. The quotations are those of one of our largest fur dealers, as published in "THE HAT, CAP AND FUR TRADE REVIEW," the leading journal of the trade in America. Of course these values are constantly varying—keeping pace with the eccentricities of fashion and the demands of the fur trade; butthe table will serve at least to gauge the relative values, as between the two extremes of common and scarce furs. The fur market is a great deal like the stock market. It is constantly fluctuating, and a fur which is to-day among the novelties, may next year find itself on the low priced list. The demand for furs of any kind is nearly always governed by fashion, and of course the value is estimated on the demand. If the convention of fur dealers should decide to usher inMuskrat furas the leading and most fashionable article in that line, the fashion would create the demand, the demand would be in turn supplied by the trappers throughout the country, and in proportion as the Muskrat skins became scarce, so their value would increase. In this way a skin which may be worth fifty cents at one time may soon acquire a value of twenty times that amount. The comparative value of skins is, therefore, constantly varying more or less; but the annexed table (page 283) will be found useful for general reference, and for approximate figures, will probably answer every purpose for some time to come.
AMERICAN FUR SKINS—TABLE OF VALUES*
Notwithstanding all these advertised prices, the young trapper often experiences great difficulty in a profitable disposal of his furs. Like every other business, the fur trade runs in its regular grooves, and the average furrier will often pay an experienced professional five dollars for a skin for which he would not offer adollarto an amateur. This certainly seems discouraging, but the knowledge of the fact is calculated to preventgreaterdiscouragement.
We often see fancy prices advertised by fur dealers for first-class skins; but when the furs are sent, only a few are selected as "prime," the rest being rejected as worthless, or perhaps meeting with a meagre offer far below the regular rates. In this way the dealers have the opportunity of choice selection without incurring any risk. Many a young trapper has been thus disappointed, and has seen his small anticipated fortune dwindle down to very small proportions.
The fur trade is supplied through regular professional channels; and in giving our advice to the novice, we would recommend as the most satisfactory and profitable plan that he should make his sales to some local hunter or trapper, who has had experience with the fur trade, and who is satisfied to pay a fair price for the various skins with the probability of selling at an advance, and thus realizing a profit.
In nearly every trapping locality such men are to be found, and although the prices earned may be below the market rates, the amateur takes none of the speculative risks of the business, and should be willing to take lower prices on this account.
In the early history of fur apparel, its use was determined byclimate; to-day, and especially in this country, it is regulated by the caprice offashion. The mink for many years took the lead in the list of fashionable furs, but has of late been superseded by the introduction of the fur seal. The most choice and costly of our American furs at the present day is the Silver Fox. When highly dressed they are worth from 10 to 50 guineas each in the European market. They are principally bought by the Russians and Chinese.
The skins of the Red Fox are purchased by the Chinese, Greeks, Persians, and other Oriental nations. They are made into linings for robes, etc., and ornamented with the black fur of the paws which is set on in spots or waves. The fur of theBeaver was formerly highly prized in the manufacture of hats. and yielded a large portion of the profits of the Fur Companies, constituting the largest item in value among furs. Cheaper materials have since been substituted in making hats, and the demand for this purpose has been greatly reduced. By a new process the skin is now prepared as a handsome fur for collars and gauntlets, and its fine silky wool has been successfully woven. The soft, white fur from the belly of the animal, is largely used in France for bonnets.
Raccoon skins are the great staple for Russia and Germany, where, on account of their durability and cheapness, they are in demand for linings for coats, etc. Among the Bear skins, those of the black and grizzly are extensively used for military caps, housings, holsters, sleigh robes, etc.
The fur of the Lynx is soft, warm and light, and is commonly dyed of a beautiful shining black. It is used for the facings and linings of cloaks, chiefly in America.
The Fisher yields a dark and full fur which is largely used in fashionable winter apparel.
The skin of the Marten, is richly dyed and utilized in choice furs and trimmings.
The Mink, like the two foregoing, belongs to the same genus as the Russian Sable, and its fur so much resembles the latter as to be sometimes mistaken for it. It is one of fashion's furs, and the hair of the tail is sometimes used in the manufacture of artist's pencils.
The Muskrat produces the fur most worn by the masses, and is largely exported into Germany, France and England. It is estimated that over six millions of muskrat skins are annually taken in America, and of that number one-half are used in Germany alone.
The skin of the Otter is at present classed among the leading fashionable furs in this country. They are dyed of a deep purplish black color, and are made into sacques, muffs, etc. It is also used by the Russians, Greeks and Chinese. It is mostly an American product, but is also procured to some extent in the British Isles from a smaller variety of the species.
The skins of the Wolf are chiefly used for sleigh robes and such purposes. The fur of the Rabbit is mainly employed in the manufacture of felt, and is also utilized for lining and trimming. The business of breeding rabbits for their fur has been introduced into the United States, and large numbers have been successfully raised in Danbury, Conn., for felting purposes connected with the manufacture of hats.
The fur of the Wolverine or Glutton, finds a market for the most part in Germany, where it is used for trimmings and cloak linings.
The Skunk furnishes the fur known as Alaska Sable, which forms one of our staple pelts, many thousands being annually exported to Poland and the adjacent provinces.
The Badger yields a valuable and fashionable fur, which is also extensively used in the manufacture of artist's brushes; a good "badger blender" forming a valuable accessory to a painter's outfit. Shaving brushes by the thousand are annually made from the variegated hair of the badger.
The Opossum yields a fur in very common use among the masses, and the skins of the domestic Cat are utilized to a considerable extent in the manufacture of robes, mats, etc. The fur of the Puma and Wild Cat are also employed in this form, and may often be seen handsomely mounted and hanging on the backs of sleighs on our fashionable thoroughfares. Among the small game the skins of Squirrels are used for linings, and the soft, velvety fur of the Mole is manufactured into light robes, and very fine hats, and in theatrical paraphernalia is sometimes employed for artificial eyebrows.
Full descriptions of the color of the various furs will be found in our lengthy illustrated chapter on our American animals.
THE END.
INDEX.
A
Adirondack experiences with mosquitoes,256.
Advice to the Novice on the sale of Furs,283.
Air-tight Jar, for butter, &c.,236.
Alaska Sable,286.—See also Skunk.
Alcohol, its use and abuse,257.
Alum—used in waterproofing,249.
"Amateur Trapping,"225.
AMBER, OIL OF, used in the art of Trapping,152.
AMERICAN FUR SKINS.—Table of values,284.Their uses at Home and Abroad,284.
American Lion.—See Puma.
Amputation, self inflicted, as a means of escape with captured animals,144.To prevent,144,145.
Ancient uses of Furs,278.
ANISE, OIL OF.—Its use in the art of trapping,152.As bait for fish,240.
Annual yield of Furs throughout the world,281.
Apparatus for stretching skins,273.
Arrows, poisoned,26.
Arrow Traps,23,25.
Artificial Eyebrows of Mole Fur,286.
ART OF TRAPPING,148.
ASSAFŒTIDA.—Its use by the Trapper,151.As scent bait for fish,240.
ASTOR, JOHN JACOB, and the Fur Trade,281.
Astringent Preparations, use of, in drying Skins,273,276.
B
BADGER, THE,—Nature and habits of,175.Skinning the,177.Trapping the,175.Uses of Fur,286.Value of Fur,284.
Bags, Waterproof, for food,236.
Baiting the Steel Trap,143.
Baits for fishing,240.
Baits, scent,149.
Bait, Trapping without,148.
BARK SHANTY.—Hints on,266.Details of construction,245.
Bark-Stone.—See Castoreum.
Bark-Stone composition.—See Castoreum.
"Barque."—See Birch Bark Canoe.
Barrel Hoops used in canoe building,264.
BARREL TRAPS,125,127,133.
Basket for the shoulders,234,236.
Basswood-bark canoes,264.
Bateaux,264.
BAT FOWLING NET,70.
Baking, recipe for,253.
Bay Lynx.—See Wild Cat.
Beans as food,235.
BEAR.—Nature and habits of,168,227.Trapping the,168.Traps for,17,29,143.Various species of,168.Directions for removing skin,172.Use of skin,285.Value of skin,284.
"Bear Tamer,"137,142.
"Bear Chasing," dangers of the sport,170.
Bear Grease,171.
Bear Meat, to roast,233." " to dry,237.
BEAVER.—Nature and habits of,177.Trapping the,177.Skinning the,182.Skin, to tan,277.Use of fur,285.Value of skin,284.
BEDS AND BEDDING,248.
Bed, spring,248.
" hammock, swinging,249.
Bed clothes,249.
BIG HORN, the,220.As food,220,238.Nature and habits of,220.Trapping the,220.
BIRCH BARK CANOE, remarks on,226.Directions for making,261.
Bird-Catching Net,70.
BIRD LIME,97.Masticated Wheat used as,99.Recipe for making,98.Used in capture of Puma,35.Used for capture of Humming Bird,99.Used in making Fly-paper,136.Used with an Owl as decoy,98.With paper cone, as a Crow trap,96.
BIRD TRAPS,65.
" Box,88,90.91.
BIRD WHISTLE,72.
BISON.—See Buffalo.
Black Fly.—See "Punkey."
Blanket, woollen,250.Rubber,236.Use of,250.
Block-tin, used for kettles, &c.,235.
Blossom, utilized as a trap,99.
Blow-gun, used in the capture of Humming Bird,99.
BOARD FLAP, the,130.
BOARD STRETCHERS,273.
BOATS, remarks on,226.Manufacture of,259.The dug-out, or log canoe,259.The birch-bark canoe,261.The bateau,264.The scow,267.The flat-bottomed boat,267.
Boiled Mush,232.
" to fry,232.
Boiling water used in bending wood,268,272.
Book I. TRAPS FOR LARGE GAME,17.
II. SNARES OR NOOSE TRAPS,39.
III. TRAPS FOR FEATHERED GAME,65.
IV. MISCELLANEOUS TRAPS,103.
V. HOUSEHOLD TRAPS,125.
VI. STEEL TRAPS AND THE ART OF TRAPPING,137.
VII. THE CAMPAIGN,225.
VIII. THE TRAPPER'S MISCELLANY,255.
Boots, hints on,228.Grease for,228.
Bottle Lantern,241." Match Safe,234.
BOW STRETCHER, for skins,274.
BOW Traps,23,25,116.
BOWL TRAPS,135,136.
Box Bird Traps,55,88,90,91.
BOX DEAD FALL,128.
Box Hut, used in Pickerel fishing,241.
BOW OWL TRAP,88.
BOX PIT-FALL,131.
BOX SNARES,55,56.
BOX TRAP, the,103.
Two modes of setting,105.
Box Traps,55,56,88,90,91,103,106,109,110.
BOX TRAP, pendent,91.
Brandy on a trapping campaign,257.
Brass wire nooses,41.
Brick Trap,66.
Broiling, recipes for,233.
Brook Trout, fishing through the ice,240.
" To cook deliciously,232.
Bruises, ointment for,255.
Buckskin gloves, in handling traps,149.
Building the camp fire,233.
Buffalo, the,220.As food,221,238,How hunted and trapped,221.
Building boats,259.
Butternut log, for canoe,239.
Butter, to keep on a campaign,236.
C
Cage traps for birds,76.
" " mice,134.
Call Birds, how used,72.
CAMPAIGN LIFE IN THE WILDERNESS,225.
CAMPAIGN, PLAN OF,225.
Camp fire,228.To build,233.
Camp Kettle,235.
" Knife,235.
" Stove,228,235.
Canada Grouse,238.
" Lynx.—See Lynx.
" Moose.—See Moose.
Candles, in camp,227.
" Novel way of using,218.
Canned vegetables,236.
CANOES, remarks on,226.
" Basswood-bark,264.
" Birch-bark, directions for building,261.
" Hemlock bark,264.
" Log.—See Dug-out.
" Spruce bark,264.
Canton flannel bags, for bed clothes,249.
Canvass-back Duck, as food,239.
Canvas bags, waterproof,236.
Caps, percussion, used in lighting fire,234.
CAPTURE OF ANIMALS,154.
CARPETING TENTS,250.
CASTOREUM, or Barkstone,150.How obtained,150.How used.—See Beaver.
CASTOREUM COMPOSITION,150.
Cat, domestic, use of skin,286.Value of skin,284.
Cat, wild.—See Wild Cat.
Caulking boats,261,266.
Caution in baiting steel traps,113.