[Illustration: _Furrier_]
"I understand you, papa, and will try to recollect. I know that it is
to the northern countries that we are indebted for our furs. The
ermine, whose beautiful white fur and black tail lines the coronets
and mantles of our nobles, creeps among the snows of Siberia, and the
north of Russia. There too is the sable, whose fur is so dear, that
I think you once told me, a robe lined with it, is often valued at
a thousand pounds. We also import furs from America, and I believe
frequently make use of that belonging to the pretty innocent rabbit,
and the graceful cat, to line our muffs and shoes."
"They suffer alike with the faithful dog, my dear," said her father,
"as well as other animals who are killed for our use. In the northern
regions the natives could not stir from their homes, unless they
were shielded from the severity of the weather, by lining their
clothes with fur. Even in England, the gentlemen feel the comforts of
fur on their great coats, and the ladies enjoy the benefit of their
muffs and tippets, although our winter is not to be compared with
that of other countries."
"Mamma! mamma!" cried Caroline, "there is the very same old lady
looking at that beautiful crape dress, at the