CHAPTER VI. 



RODENTS. 



THE BEAVER. 



F all mammals, the beaver is the most especially 

 fitted to enjoy a social life. When in captivity 

 and away from its kind, it appears to possess 

 but a small amount of intelligence ; it forms no attachments 

 to its human companions, and is utterly indifferent to all 

 around it. But in its native wilds, associated with others of 

 its race, what wondrous engineering skill it exhibits, and how 

 curious are its domestic arrangements ! 



It is essentially a hard worker. Other animals sport and 

 play and amuse themselves. What young beavei'S may do 

 inside their lodges, it is difficult to say ; but the elders, from 

 morn till nioht, and all nio-ht lono^, labour at their various 

 occupations, evidently feeling that they were born to toil, and 

 willingly accomplishing their destiny. 



The beaver has fitly been selected as the representative 

 animal of Canada, on account of its industry, perseverance, 

 and hardihood, and the resolute way in which it overcomes 

 difficulties. Certain conditions of country are necessary to 

 its existence, and when it does not find these ready formed, 



