88 



Quadrupeds. 



several kinds of Plialangers, some of which are known 

 as Flying Phalangers, from their having a broad loose 

 fold of skin along each side, which, when stretched 

 out by means of the legs, serves to support the little 

 creature for a time in the air, and enables it to leap 

 to great distances. 



V. Rodentia, or Gnawing Animals. 



THE BEAVEK. (Castor Fiber.) 



THE BEAVER is about the size of the badger; his head 

 short, his ears round and small, his fore teeth long, sharp, 

 and strong, and well calculated for the part which 

 Nature has allotted him: the tail is of an oval form, 

 and covered with a scaly skin. 



Beavers are natives of North America, and more par- 

 ticularly the north of Canada. They are also found 

 in Europe, and were formerly abundant in many places. 

 Their houses are constructed with earth, stones, and 

 sticks, neatly arranged and worked together by their 

 paws. The walls are about two feet thick, and are sur- 

 mounted by a kind of dome, which generally rises about 

 four feet above them. The entrance is on one side, 

 always at least three feet below the surface of the water, 

 so as to prevent it being frozen up. The number of 



