Teacher's Leaflet. 



807 



(i). How long is the muskrat? How much of its whole length is 

 tail? 



(2). What is the general shape of its body short and heavy or long 

 and slender? 



(3). Describe its eyes, ears and teeth. 



(4). Describe the fur; is it long and thick, coarse or fine? 



(5). What is its color above and below? 



(6). What is the name of the muskrat fur in the markets? 



(7). Has the muskrat whiskers, like mice and rats? 



(8). Compare the front and hind legs as to size. 



(9). Compare the front and- hind feet in size and shape. 



(10). Do you find a web between the toes of the hind feet and if so 

 what do webbed toes indicate? 



(11). Describe the tail; is it long or short, round or flat? If the latter 

 is it flattened at the sides or above and below? Describe the covering of 

 the tail. 



(12). What do you think a strong flattened tail is used for? 



Facts for the Teacher. — The muskrat may reach the length of two feet, although 

 ordinarily it has a body about a foot long with a tail about eight inches in length. 

 In general shape the body is stout and thick set, the head is rounded and it has the 

 general appearance of that of a large meadow mouse. Its eyes are black and shin- 

 ing, the ears are short and close to the head, the teeth are like those of other rodents 

 consisting of a pair of front teeth on each jaw, then a long, bare space and four 

 grinders. The fur consists of an outer coat of long rather coarse hair and an under 

 coat of short, thick, fine hair. In color the fur is dark brown above with a darker 

 shade along the middle of the back. Beneath it is grayish and whitish on the throat 

 and lips ; there is a brown spot on the chin. In preparing the pelts for use commer- 

 cially the long hairs are plucked out, leaving the soft, fine under coat which is dyed 



Drawn by A. MacKinnon a boy of 13 years. 

 A Muskrat' s Summer Home. 



