296 RESTLESSNESS OF CAPTIVE BEAVER. 



The fine instinct which exalts it in a wild state 

 above other animals, seems degraded or perverted. 

 The only distinction it shows its master, is forbearing 

 to bite him, which it is very ready to do to strangers. 

 It will follow him in the uncouth manner I have 

 described, and, from the habit of ceaseless industry 

 that it has acquired in a state of liberty, works, ex- 

 cept in the depth of winter, the whole night long. 

 When wild, it collects food in the day, and cuts and 

 drags wood in the night. When tamed, which can 

 only be done by taking it whilst very young, it is 

 necessary, on account of its restlessness, to leave it 

 out in the yard. There it employs itself the whole 

 night in canying fire-wood from the pile, and block- 

 ing up the door with it ; so that when the family 

 rise in the morning, they find themselves bamcaded 

 with a quantity of wood, that takes no small time to 

 remove. 



From what has been already said, it appears that 

 the sagacity of animals is in its highest perfection, 

 in the two extremes of utter estrangement from man, 

 or that intimate familiarity with him which results 

 partly from sharing his pursuits and occupations. In 

 the former case, being entirely unaided and unpro- 

 tected by human power and intelligence, more saga- 

 city is requisite to provide for its wants, and shun or 

 conquer its enemies. In the latter, while receiving 



