WEASEL

The ermine and the weasel are often confused, although Fur authorities agree that the ermine has a finer grade Fur. This is due to the fact that ermine, an inhabitant of Siberia, has had to grow a much thicker coating to protect itself from the intense cold. This density of Fur is about the only difference between the Russian ermine and the North American weasel in winter dress. Again the tail tells a tale, for the weasel’s tail is predominantly white with a black tip, while the ermine’s tail is more black than white.

A good American weasel in white winter dress is a better buy than a poor Russian ermine which it so closely resembles. The Alaskan variety is the finest in America. Further south, weasels remain brown through the year, and their pelts are sometimes called “summer ermine.”

SQUIRREL

The graceful little squirrel wraps himself in his tail for slumber, thereby gaining his name - for "squirrel" is derived from two Greek roots meaning "in the shade of a tail."

In medieval times the squirrel was reserved for the nobility's wearing and today still carries an air of elegance. It is distinctly for dress wear as it cannot stand much friction. First quality skins taken from Russian or Siberian animals will give fair service. Dark gray or dark blue coloring distinguishes these more luxurious pelts. Gray squirrels are always used in their natural coloring. Red-backed, or streaked, pelts are usually dyed in beige, taupe, mink, sable, summer ermine or Viatka shades.

Although America produces some squirrel skins, these have a low commercial value because the Fur is not as well developed. These Furs are generally dyed and utilized for linings.

The back of the squirrel is the most valuable part of the pelt. Great skill is necessary in the matching of the countless pelts necessary to make a Fur coat. The white bellies when sewed in oblong sheets, are called "squirrel sacs" and cannot be depended on for real service. The exquisite coloring and texture of squirrel makes a lovely combination with er­mine, mink and dyed muskrat (Hudson seal).

SKUNK

The poor little skunk has had a dreadful time living down his name. But at least he has succeeded - at least where the Furrier is concerned. This most beautiful of all naturally black Furs is no longer tagged black marten or Alaska sable, but travels proudly under its own name. Women of fashion clamour for skunk. The Fur is glossy, fluffy and rich, unexcelled for service and for continued beauty.

The skunk’s stripe tells a story of value. Because the white areas are not as soft and fine as the black areas, they are generally cut out. It is easy to understand then that pelts with very little white are much more desirable. In the case of the hog-nosed skunk, which is predominately white, the entire pelt is dyed. But even this process fails to achieve the rich deep black and lovely sheen of the natural skunk.

So popular have skunks become that they are being raised on ranches. A surgical operation at the age of four or five weeks eliminates the scent glands, the most prevalent objection to this animal. The skunk is in his glory in the Dakotas and Minnesota, where his coat is blue-black with a white streak down his back. His Fur is thicker and his guard hairs long and sprightly. Skunk Fur should be beaten by the Furrier and stored in summer in order to keep t fluffy and gleaming. Civet cat – neither civet nor cat – is really the American little striped skunk or lesser skunk. It is a striking animal, black with white markings – which take the form of a lyre. In France the name is Lyre. Its leather is thin, but if well reinforced the Fur will give good service.