The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-10-21
THE ART OF BUYING FuRs.

THE ART OF BUYING FURS.
 The use of fur as an article of dress and a protection from the clements is universal, Royalty, society and na- tional custom have led the popular ap- preciation which each year stimulates the creation of new and beautiful de- signs.
 A visit to the old, established firm of Brooks & Co.,, at the corner of State and Chapel streets, recently, was the occasion of an interesting inspection of the handiwork of the most skilled artisans of the craft, and a pleasing illustration of the success which has attended well defined policy in mercantile devel- opment, From it's inception in 1873 this firm has sought to inspire in their GUS toners a patronage arising solely from the high and reliable character of the goods sold by them. That this policy has not been without it's attendant ad- yantages is evidenced yearly in the re- turn of old patrons for further pur- chases, as we'll as in the remarkable annual increase in new business-an in- crease attributed by the firm to the friendly recommendation of old custo- mers.
 The purchase of furs of any character being generally admitted as attended with risk of some degree, owing to the trash with which the market has been flooded in recent years, is rightly re- garded to-day as a step demanding careful consideration. As furs half dressed and improperly cured are a di- Ho >f the least expensive furs requires the same cautious judgment exercised in the selection of the more costly pieces. Messrs. Brooks &, Go. offer their cus- toners the several advantages in selec- ton which alone accrue from purchases made direct from the manufacturer. In the acquisition six months ago of the skins then offered in a declining market "a condition due very naturally to the contingency of war-they were enabled to acquire in all the more desirable furs stock of fur belts of an unusual ly fine character, thoroughly cured and dressed by the best houses. From these, upon their own premises, they have manufactured their fall and win ter stock. With skilled and intelligent workmen. modern facilities, the best light and hygenic conditions possible they have obtained results heretofore unprecedented. In the refashioning redying, repairing and refining of gar ments. their business this fall has as- sumed proportions largely in excess of any previous year In the firms history. That this has been due in no small measure to the opportunity accorded of ol, skins as they desired used, together with the courtesy uniformly extended cannot be doubted.
 In fashions of usefulness extending beyond the present season in Seal, Per sian Lamb and Broadtai Jackets, Capes and Victorines; in Fur Cluster Scarfs, Neck Pieces, Fancy and Round Muffs Gloves, Trimmings and Chill dren's Furs, their stock emphasizes in it's detail the utmost nicety of finish, permanency, healthfulness and relia- bility, affording the most comprehen-
 sive array ever shown in this city. | In order to secure a certain portion
 of the seals breeding upon the Alaskan coast from extermination, the govern ment has prohibited the importation of | the seal skin known as the Northwest
 coast" This restriction has been wrongly construed to mean the total exclusion of seal pelts from this coun- try. Inasmuch, however, as the Alas kan. Shetland, Pribylov Island and other skins continue obtainable at practically the market value of the last
 ten years, it is highly improbable that | the supply of sealskins in this country
 will be materially diminished in the 1 course of the next few years The art l of buying furs, therefore, begins and 1 ends with an intelligent appreciation of ! the fur itself, the care with which it
 has been made and it's natural adapta-
 ton to the purpose to which it has
 been assigned. Messrs. Brooks X Co.,
 attach a responsible warranty to Fur
 Garments sold under their name, as-
 surfing purchasers that protection
 against mistakes and unforeseen con-
 tingences which alone arises from a
 skillful selection of skins and the most
 painstaking care in manufacture.