BEAVER 71 



condition. The bark of most of the trees it feeds 

 on and the root of the water lily are very bitter, 

 and if the intestines remain in the animal for a 

 day or more, as when caught in traps, the flesh 

 will then acquire the bitter taste. The same may 

 also be said of the scent glands (castoreum.) The 

 parts surrounding it will taste of castoreum. It is 

 the same with other animals or birds feeding on 

 strongly scented herbs or vegetables. I remem- 

 ber that when shooting sage grouse in the West- 

 ern States, we had to remove the entrails of the 

 birds immediately, and when so treated they 

 made good eating, but if left unopened over-night 

 the flesh would be strong and unpalatable. The 

 tail of the beaver is never used for plastering as 

 described, but as a powerful propellor in 

 swimming, and as a prop when sitting on its 

 haunches, while cutting trees, feeding, or at 

 other work. In a very recent publication that I 

 have read, the author describes the mode of set- 

 ting steel traps for beaver, though I am afraid 

 he would get small reward for his trapping if he 

 followed his own directions. To meet with suc- 

 cess, a trap, number thrqe or four, the latter 

 preferable, should be set near deep water. A 

 jutting point on the lake, near the side of the 

 lodge, and at the dam, are the best places. Your 

 site having been chosen, remove carefully all the 

 small twigs in the vicinity, as also any dead 



