172 ' THE AMERICAN BEAVER. 



falls, while in others it is the deepest on one side, 

 toward which it is then most likely to fall; and from 

 which the inference is drawn, with some degree of 

 probability, that it was the intention of the beavers 

 to fell it in that direction. Where the tree leans 

 slightly, the deepest cutting is on the side opposite to 

 the direction of its fall; and where it stands upon a 

 side hill, it is often, when the tree is small, cut entirely 

 upon the upper side. While gnawing down a tree, 

 they sit up erect on their hind feet, w^hich, being plan- 

 tigrade, renders this posture natural and convenient 

 for the body. Although I have not succeeded in wit- 

 nessing the act, on the part of the beavers, of felling 

 a tree, I have obtained the particulars from Indians 

 and trappers who have. The usual number engaged 

 in the work is but two, or a pair; but they are some- 

 times assisted by two or three young beavers. It 

 thus appears to be the separate work of a family, 

 instead of the joint work of several families. One 

 tree of the size of this would furnish a sufficient 

 amount of small cuttings for their winter supply. 

 When but two are engaged they work by turns, and 

 alternately stand on the watch, as is the well-known 

 practice of many animals while feeding or at work. 

 When the tree begins to crackle, they desist from 

 cutting, which they afterward continue with cau- 

 tion until it begins to fall, when they plunge into the 

 pond, usually, and wait concealed for a time, as if 

 fearful that the crashing noise of the tree-fall might 

 attract some enemy to the place. The next move- 

 ment is to cut off the limbs, such as are from two to 

 five and six inches in diameter, and reduce them to a 

 proper length to be moved to the water and trans- 



