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FIBER ZIBETHICUS, (Linn£) (Cuvier.) 



THE MUSKRAT. 



Specific Character. — Form somewhat arvicoline, except the tail, which is long, 

 much compressed vertically, with scant hair ; hind feet partly webbed ; fore 

 feet with stiff bristles. Teeth arvicoline, the posterior lower molar composed of 

 four or perhaps five prisms, the re-entrant angles alternating (if four, the an- 

 terior with a re-entering angle.) 



Bahitat. — North America, common in Ontario. 



Size — Equal to that of a small rabbit. 



Average Weight. — 3 to 4 pounds. 



Average Height. — 4 to 5 inches. 



Average Length. — About 12 inches. 



Vahte of Fur. — Per skin, average 10c. to 25c. 



The muskrat is common in Ontario. r' 



In colour it is dark brown on the upper portions of the body, tino-ed with a, 

 reddish hue on the neck, ribs, and legs ; and the belly is ashy gray. 



The teeth are bright yellow, and the nails are white. 



The hind feet are webbed, and their imprint in the mud resembles that of a 

 duck. 



The fur is used largely and the flesh is palatable, so that the muskrat is 

 hunted vigorously. 



The animal derives its name from the musky odour diffused by the secretion 

 of a large gland situated in the anal region. 



The muskrats bear twice during the season, the female producing litters of 

 from three to six in the months of May and July. 



The food of the muskrat is almost entirely vegetable. 



The animal lives mostly in burrows, and when near marshy ground the 

 houses run up about three feet above the water and resemble miniature hay- 

 cocks. The couch inside is luxurious, being made of lily leaves, sedge, and other 

 plants. 



The fur is largely used for trimmings but is not considered valuable. 



