A NATURALIST. 57 



larly every winter. Perhaps these quadrupeds are as 

 numerous in the vicinity of Philadelphia as elsewhere, 

 as I have never examined a stream of fresh water, dyked 

 meadow, or milldam, hereabout, without seeing traces of 

 vast numbers. Along all the water courses and meadows 

 in Jersey, opposite Philadelphia, and in the meadows of 

 the neck, below the navy yard, there must be large num- 

 bers of muskrats. Considering the value of the fur, and 

 the ease and trifling expense at which they might be 

 caught, we have often felt surprised that more of them 

 are not taken, especially as we have so many poor men 

 complaining of wanting something to do. By thinning 

 the number of muskrats, a positive benefit would be con- 

 ferred on the farmers and furriers, to say nothing of the 

 profits to the individual. 



