and in the North Woods of the United States have always been very
profitable. Here is a list of the number of furs taken, with a few of
the prices obtained: A good sable skin brings from $20 to $150,
according to quality; 15,000 are caught yearly. Almost as valuable is
the fur of the pine marten; 200,000 skins taken annually. Another
high-priced skin is that of the mink; 250,000 are taken every year. The
ermine is another choice fur, of which 400,000 are taken yearly. A
beautiful material for robes, ladies’ sets, trimmings, etc., is the fur
of the Canada lynx, of which 50,000 are taken yearly. The fur of the
otter is much esteemed for caps, collars, and gloves; 40,000 taken
yearly. Almost the same number of beavers are captured every year; the
fur is used for caps and mufflers. Three million muskrat skins are in
demand every year. Of all kinds of foxes some 200,000 find their way
into our markets or are exported to Europe. The skin of the silver fox
of Labrador has been sold in London for $500. The raccoon furnishes us
yearly with 500,000 skins, and the badger with 50,000. We have as a
summary 4,745,000 skins marketed every year, affording employment for
thousands of hunters and trappers.