518 



RODENTIA. 



vegetation, and thus converted into a substantial he<lge. The dam 

 being finished, they separate into small parties, and set about the 

 construction of their huts, which are built against the dam, but with 

 less solidity. Each hut accommodates two or three famihes; it has 

 two stories, the upper one being dry, for the residence of the animals, 

 the lower one under water, for the store of bark, upon which they 

 feed. The entrance to this habitation is always under water. Their 

 work is carried on in the night only, but with astonishing rapidity. 



The Rats (Mus). The tribe of Eats is composed of 

 a great number of small Rodents, which resemble 

 our common Rats in the most important points of 

 their economy. Their front paws have generally 

 four toes and a tubercle representing a thumb. The 

 hinder feet have five complete toes ; most of them 

 live in holes. The species are very numerous ; 

 amongst them we can only notice 



The Musk-rat of Canada {Mas Zlbetieus), of the size of a rabbit, and 

 of a reddish-grey colour. These animals in winter construct a hut 

 of clay on the ice, where they hve in great numbers. 

 " The solid structure, framed with twisted reeds, 



Plaster'd with mud, and intermix'd with weeds, 



Fom- cubits measm-es, in its space around, 



Eaised like a little turret from the ground. 



At top a rounded cupola or dome. 



Twelve inches thick, roofs in this wintry home ; 



Here with their young whole families repose. 



Whilst gather'd o'er them rest the winter's snows."' 



Fig. 44-t.— water r4t. 



