'-•<^>V-:? \ 



BE\y Eli.— Ca.s/ur J'ldtr. 



The common Beaver lias eanicd u world-wide rc])utation by the wonderful 

 instinct which it displays, independently of its great value in producing costly fur 

 and perfume. 



This animal is found in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, but is found in 

 the p;reatcst profusion in North America. 



The Beaver lives in societies, varying considerably in nunil)cr, and united 

 together in the formation of works which may be fairly considered as belonging 

 to the profession of the engineer. They prefer to make their hal)itations by small 

 clear rivers and creeks, or close to large springs, although they sometimes take up 

 their abode on the banks of lakes. 



Lest they should not have a sufficient depth of water in all weathers and at all 

 seasons, the Ik-avers are in the habit of biiilding veritable dams, for the p\n-pose of 

 raising the water to the recjuired level. These dams are composed of tree- 

 branches, mud, and stones, and in order effectually to resist the action of the 

 u-ater, are about ten or twelve feet in thickness at the bottom, although they are 

 only two feet or so wide at the summit. 



172 



