THE BEAVER. 177 



clay, and other solid materials, which they place on that side of 

 the piles next the stream. By these joint efforts, they construct 

 a mound of great strength, and capable of supporting the pres- 

 sure of a considerable weight of water. When there is a lake 

 conveniently situated for their purpose, this Herculean work 

 of constructing a mound is unnecessary ; and they never fail of 

 choosing such a situation, if the face of the country afford them 

 an opportunity. 



The mole being completed, their next care is the erection of 

 their houses. These are built on piles, close to the edge of the 

 water, and are generally of a form either circular or oval. They 

 mostly consist of three stories, of which the first is below the 

 level of the dam, and consequently full of water. The apart- 

 ments are about four or five feet in diameter, and the walls about 

 two feet thick, neatly plastered on the inside with clay. At the 

 top the building is arched like an oven, and resembles a dome. 

 These edifices are constructed with such solidity as to be im- 

 penetrable to the heaviest rains, arid to defy the force of the most 

 impetuous winds. Each house has two openings, one for an ex- 

 cursion by land, the other for a ready entrance into the water, in 

 order at once to render convenient the procuring of subsistence, 

 and to facilitate the means of escape, in case of surprise. The 

 number of houses in one of their settlements, is usually from 

 fifteen to twenty-five. Each family has its own district, its own 

 magazines, and its own habitation ; and no strangers are ever 

 suffered to intrude. Each beaver has its own bed of moss, and 

 each family its own horde of winter provision, which consists 

 principally of the bark and boughs of trees. The latter they 

 pile up with great regularity, and use it as their wants require. 

 In the front of their houses, facing the water, they leave an open- 

 ing, which serves as a window, and at the same time as a bal- 

 cony, where they can sit and enjoy the fresh air. They spend a 

 great part of the day in bathing, and almost always retain in the 

 water an upright posture, their head and fore-parts not being 

 often immersed. 



No predaceous animals dare attack the united republic of 

 beavers, in their fortified settlements. Man is the only enemy 

 they have to fear. Among themselves a profound peace always 

 subsists, however numerous may be the inhabitants of their col- 

 ony, which sometimes amount to three or four hundred. A com- 

 mon series of toil strengthens their union : the conveniences 

 which their joint efforts have procured, and the abundance of 

 provisions which they have amassed, render them easy and happy 

 in their respective families. Having moderate appetites, and en- 

 tertaining an aversion to blood and carnage, they have neither 

 inducements nor inclination to hostility and rapine ; but enjoy a 



