96 MUSK BEAVER. 



intrudes, all their native propensities are exercised, and 

 appear in full vigour. 



In the northern regions of America, the beavers begin 

 to assemble in the spring ; and form societies of more than 

 two hundred, which generally subsist during the greater 

 part of the year. Their place of rendezvous is always 

 near the brink of some river or lake, where they erect 

 habitations with admirable foresight and regularity. They 

 construct them of the branches of trees, which it might 

 be thought impossible for such diminutive animals to move.- 

 These they intermix in such a manner as to form a mound 

 against the violence of the stream : and they plaster their 

 separate tenements with such skill, and appear such pro- 

 ficients in all the arts of architecture, that the ignorant 

 aboriginal natives must, in these respects, be pronounced 

 much their inferiors. Here they bring forth their young, 

 and live in families : during all which time a social com- 

 pact subsists between them, and influences every member 

 of their association. 



The skins of beavers form a very lucrative article of 

 commerce ; and the Indian hunters, lured by European 

 commodities, many of which, however, are rather noxious 

 than useful to them, exert all their diligence in procuring 

 a supply of furs to barter for spirits, or for what is often 

 the refuse of English and American markets. 



But it is not only the skin of this animal that exposes it 

 to danger from the pursuits of man ; its flesh is esteemed 

 by some to be very good for eating, when properly cured ; 

 and from its inguinal gland is extracted that valuable drug 

 called castor, so much esteemed in nervous disorders, par- 

 ticularly in hysteric fits, and other female complaints. 



THE MUSK BEAVER. 



This animal is about one-third of the size of the common 

 beaver, but resembles it in miniature. It is extremely pro- 

 lific, forms societies, and erects buildings ; but appears 

 much less provident than the other species. Its fur, how- 

 ever, is not less valued: and its flesh has an exquisite 



