Traditional Muzzleloading Association

The Center of Camp => People of the Times => Topic started by: Sir Michael on March 07, 2013, 03:14:42 PM

Title: Tygers
Post by: Sir Michael on March 07, 2013, 03:14:42 PM

This isn't really about the Men of the Trading Companies but about their records.  

I just ran across some inventories of income and tax records of the NWCo in the 1780-90s.  They include for just about every year "Tyger" skins.  

Anyone want to venture a guess about just what type of animal they were describing.  A quick search of the WEB indicates that there have never been Tigers living free in the wild in North America in modern times (the last 10,000 years or so give or take).  

The inventories also list "Cased Cats" and "Open Cats"  whatever those are and a real curiosity "Beaver Eaters".

Anyone have any ideas?

Title: Re: Tygers
Post by: prairie dog on March 07, 2013, 03:42:08 PM

I am pretty sure "cased cats"  were bob cats that were case skinned and "open cats"  were skinned by cutting down the belly and legs.

Tygers are probably leopard, "El Tigre"  in Spanish.  I don't believe panthers because they were commonly referred to as "lions".  I do believe both leopards and ocelots ranged farther North then than now.

Beaver eaters has me stumped, no guess on that one.

Title: Re: Tygers
Post by: biliff on March 07, 2013, 04:16:52 PM

http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Popular_S ... aver_Eater (http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Popular_Science_Monthly/Volume_44/April_1894/The_Beaver_Eater)

Title: Re: Tygers
Post by: sse on March 08, 2013, 01:22:34 PM

That is most interesting, bliff bliff...

Title: Re: Tygers
Post by: Cannonball on March 08, 2013, 03:55:46 PM

So Beaver Eater = Wolverine? I knew there was a reason I was growing Mutton Chop sideburns LOL!

Title: Re: Tygers
Post by: Sir Michael on March 10, 2013, 02:02:26 PM

That takes care of the cats and beaver eaters.  

As for the Tygers, a friend suggested either the Bobcat or Lynx since both have markings that could be construed as Tiger like.