MUSK RAT. OH 



kinds, one of which is long, and the other short, and as 

 fine as down. 



Chilese Beaver. This species frequents the most re- 

 tired parts of the rivers and lakes of Chili, in South Ame- 

 rica, where it feeds, principally, on fish and crabs. It 

 does not exhibit any of those wonderful traits of sagacity, 

 in the construction of its dwelling, which are so remark- 

 able in the common beaver. 



26. RAT TRIBE. 



This is a very numerous tribe. Most of the animals 

 live in holes of buildings, or under the surface of the 

 ground. 



Musk Rat. In many of their habits, these animals 

 exhibit no small resemblance to the beaver; residing in 

 the neighbourhood of rivers and streams, where they 

 construct their habitations of reeds and plants, cemented 

 together with clay, and covered with a dome. These 

 habitations are generally about thirty inches in width, 

 and of a proportionate height, and each of them affords 

 space for several families. The Musk Rats feed on 

 roots, herbs, and sometimes on muscles and other 

 shell-fish. They are natives of several parts of North 

 America. 



In their general appearance they somewhat resemble 

 the water rat, but in size are nearly equal to a small rab- 

 bit. The tail is shorter than the body, flattened towards 

 the end, scaly, and brown. The ears are short, rounded, 

 and hairy. The fur is soft, glossy, and of a reddish- 

 brown colour. 



