466 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



seen a Muskrat catch a live fish, but have no doubt they do so. 

 They certainly pick up freshly dead fish which they chance to find. 



At Lake Maxinkuckee the Muskrats raise at least two litters, 

 and probably three, each season, the first litter being born about 

 the first week in May. About the middle of June, 1901, young 

 muskrats about half-grown were seen swimming about or sitting 

 on their haunches on shore eating bits of lily roots. These were 

 probably of the first litter. On June 15, 1903, a nest with five 

 young was found in a pile of brush on marshy ground on Long 

 Point. The young were evidently not more than a few days old, 

 as their eyes were not yet open. On May 31, 1901, we caught one 

 about one-third or one-half grown on south shore of lake. Sep- 

 tember 5, 1906, saw two young not more than half grown. On 

 another occasion, a young one was seen on the shore near the Cul- 

 ver depot pier and was almost caught before it took alarm. On 

 another occasion, a young one was seen to dive in shallow water 

 south of Green's pier. Upon wading out to where it dived a hole 

 was seen in the bottom out of which the Muskrat soon came and 

 was captured. From these data it is evident that at least two 

 litters per season are raised in this vicinity. 



In the early winter, after ice has formed some distance out 

 from shore, Muskrats are often seen swimming under the ice. 

 They move along quite rapidly, and present a peculiar appearance, 

 a bubble of air at each nostril expanding and contracting as they 

 breathe, and a number of small bubbles on the fur giving them 

 a silvery color. Apparently the Muskrat before diving fills its 

 lungs with air, portions of which it exhales and rebreathes again. 

 During the time the air remains as a bubble at each nostril it is 

 purified through its contact with the water and rendered fit for 

 breathing again. This peculiar habit would seem to account for the 

 ability of the Muskrat to remain under water so long. On one occa- 

 sion (in December, 1904) when standing on the ice a peculiar sound 

 was heard beneath our feet. Upon investigation it was found to 

 be caused by a Muskrat gnawing at the under side of the ice. 

 The sound was like that made by a rat gnawing under a floor. 



At times the Muskrats make various noises. September 5, 

 1906, two half-grown young were observed chasing each other and 

 singing a long, shivering note, followed by mewings and squeak- 

 ings and other noises or calls. The shivering, singing noise was 

 heard on other occasions. 



The Muskrat is the most valuable fur-bearing animal in the 

 Maxinkuckee region; indeed, it is the most valuable in the State. 

 Considerable numbers are trapped each year about the lake, the 



