USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -When Europeans came to North America, beaver lived in almost every region that had streams and creeks. The newcomers trapped the beaver for its pelt. Its soft under-fur was highly valued for making men’s hats. As Europeans and then Americans moved westward, they trapped so much that beaver nearly disappeared.

Detailed explanation-2: -There were two types of beaver pelts: castor gras and castor sec. The term “castor gras” designates pelts taken by the Indians when prime, trimmed into rectangular shape, 5 to 8 of them sewn together and worn with the fur next to the body for 12 to 18 months.

Detailed explanation-3: -Beaver Pelt-A Variety Of Dyed, Sheared Fur.

Detailed explanation-4: -Beaver pelts were in the greatest demand, but other animals such as mink, muskrat, fox and sable marten were also trapped. In the 1830s, when beaver lost its value as a staple fur, HBC maintained a profitable trade emphasizing fancy fur. Although the fur trade continues today, HBC is no longer in the fur business.

Detailed explanation-5: -Indians would trade the pelts of small animals, such as mink, for knives and other iron-based products, or for textiles. Exchange at first was haphazard and it was only in the late sixteenth century, when the wearing of beaver hats became fashionable, that firms were established who dealt exclusively in furs.