Teacher's Leaflet. 809 



Observations. — ( i ) . Is the muskrat better fitted to live in the water than 

 on the land? 



(2). Describe how it is fitted to Hve in the water in the following par- 

 ticulars : feet, tail, fur. 



(3). How much of the muskrat can you see when it is swimming? 



(4). How long can the muskrat stay under water when it is diving? 



(5), What is the food of the muskrat? 



(6). Does it wash its food before eating it? 



(7). At what time does it usually go hunting for food? 



(8). Have you ever discovered a muskrat's dining room? If so de- 

 scribe it. 



(9). Does the muskrat always build itself a winter house? 



(10). Describe the structure of the winter lodge of the muskrat in the 

 following particulars : Size, where built, of what material, how many 

 rooms, what the bed is made of, the entrance and its arrangement so 

 it will not be closed with ice, and the means of ventilation of the nest. 



(11). Is such a home built by one muskrat or by more and how many 

 live within it? 



(12). Describe a muskrat's burrow in the bank in the following par- 

 ticulars : The entrance, nest, vewtilator and back door. 



(13). In what situations do the muskrats build houses for winter, and 

 in what situations do they live in burrows in winter? 



(14). What are the muskrat's enemies? How does it escape them? 



(15). How does the muskrat fight? Is it courageous? 



(16). At what time of year is it comparatively safe and at what time 

 is it exposed to greatest danger? 



(17). How does the muskrat give warning to its fellows when it sees 

 signs of danger? 



(18). Why is this animal called muskrat? 



Subject for essay. — The resemblances and differences in the habits of 

 the muskrat and the beaver. 



Facts for the Teacher. — The muskrat is better fitted by form for life in the water 

 than on land. It is heavy-bodied and short-legged and, therefore, cannot run very 

 rapidly when on land. Its hind feet are webbed and its hind legs are strong, so 

 that they act as oars when swimming. The tail is strong and flattened at the sides, 

 so that it acts as a rudder and propeller. The fur next to the body is soft and 

 fine and makes a waterproof covering for the creature so that however much it 

 swims or dives it is never wet. When it is swimming you can see its nose and 

 sometimes the head and the end of the tail. It is a skillful diver and has been 

 known to stay under water for several minutes. Its food is largely roots, especially 

 those of the sweet flag and yellow lily; it also feeds upon other aquatic plants and 

 is very fond of shell fish. Mr. Sharpe tells us that he has seen muskrats wash 



