222 Handbook of Nature-Study 



with a "figure four" it will not be injured and it may be made more or 

 less tame by feeding it with sweet apples, carrots and parsnips. The 

 pupils can thus study it at leisure although they should not be allowed to 

 handle the creature as it inflicts very severe wounds and is never willing 

 to be handled. If a live muskrat cannot be obtained perhaps some hunter 

 in the neighborhood will supply a dead one for this observation lesson. 



While studying the muskrat the children should read all the stories of 

 beavers which are available as the two animals are very much alike in 

 their habits. 



Observations i. In what locality have you discovered the tracks of 

 the muskrat? Describe its general appearance. Measure the muskrat's 

 track as follows: (a) Width and length of the print of one foot; (b) the 

 width between the prints of the two hind feet; (c) the length between the 

 prints made by the hind feet in several successive steps or jumps. 



2. Was the muskrat's track made when the animal was jumping or 

 walking? Can you see in it a difference in the size of the front and hind 

 feet? Judging from the track, where do you think the muskrat came 

 from? What do you think it was hunting for? 



3. What mark does the tail make in the snow or mud? Judging by 

 its imprint, should you think the muskrat's tail was long or short, bare or 

 brushy, slender or strong? 



4. How long is the largest muskrat you ever saw? How much of the 

 whole length is tail? Is the general shape of the body short and heavy 

 or long and slender? 



5. Describe the muskrat's eyes, ears and teeth. For what are the 

 teeth especially fitted? Has the muskrat whiskers like mice and rats? 



6. Compare the front and hind legs as to size and shape. Is there a 

 web between the toes of the hind feet? What does this indicate? Do 

 you think that the muskrat is a good swimmer? 



7. Describe the muskrat fur. Compare the outer and under coat. 

 What is its color above and below? What is the name of muskrat fur in 

 the shops? 



8. Describe the tail. What is its covering? How is it flattened? 

 What do you think this strong, flattened tail is used for? 



9. Do you think the muskrat is better fitted to live in the water than 

 on land ? How is it fitted to live in the water in the following particulars : 

 Feet? Tail? Fur? 



10. How much of the muskrat can you see when it is swimming? 

 How long can it stay under water when diving? 



1 1 . What is the food of the muskrat ? Where does it find it ? How 

 does it prepare the food for eating? Does it seek its food during the night 

 or day? Have you ever observed the muskrat's dining room? If so, 

 describe it. 



12. Describe the structure of the muskrat's winter lodge, or cabin 

 in the following particulars : Its size. Where built? Of what material? 

 How many rooms in it ? Are these rooms above or below the water level ? 

 Of what is the bed made? How is the nest ventilated? How is it 

 arranged so that the entrance is not closed by the ice? Is such a home 

 built by one or more muskrats? How many live within it? Do the 

 muskrats always build these winter cabins? What is the character of 

 the shores where thev are built ? 



