212 ^SKETCH OF THE BEAVER. 



They view their works with great attention, and know how to 

 apply every piece of wood, brush, or root, in the best manner, 

 and for the security of the dam. They wash themselves, after 

 their labour is over. 



III. Account of the beaver by a French trader (at Detroit), 

 who has spent a number of years among the Chippeewas, far to 

 the North of Detroit, and is said to understand beaver-trapping 

 as-well as any Indian. Recommended by John Aikin, Esq. 

 as a person of credit. Answers to my queries. 



Self-preservation, breeding, wintering, and the greater faci- 

 lity of obtaining their food, are their principal motives for 

 building their dams. Mere they live secure, and can pass the 

 winter comfortably, having previously well provided themselves 

 with the necessary food, such as the barks of trees, roots, &c» 



In building their dams, they make use of all kinds of sticks, 

 logs, and rubbish, some of which are laid crossways, others in 

 a position nearly upright, but somewhat leaning. For stopping 

 up holes or breaches, they make use of roots and clay or mud ; 

 and they are always careful to keep their dams in good order, 

 never delaying a necessary repair. 



Their houses are from nine to twelve feet in diameter. Se- 

 veral couple live together in one house; and there are from 

 one to ten houses in one dam. From two to ten beavers have 

 been seen working together. When at work, they keep a watch, 

 who will sometimes ascend to the height of ten or twelve feet; 

 but on the approach of an enemy, or even on only supposed 

 danger, instantly descends, when all the labourers retire to their 

 houses. The female works the same as the male. 



They are very fond of their young, which they suckle much 

 in the manner that the cat does. They frequently lean their 

 backs against a tree, while suckling their young ones. In ge- 

 neral, they have but two young at a litter; but old beavers are 

 known to have had three and even four young at one litter. 

 I know but one kind of beaver. 



