174 



THE BEAVER. 



torial instinct, they are obstinately savage creatures. Mr. Metcalfe de- 

 scribes them as swarming in the forest, sitting two or three on every 

 stump, and biting the dogs' noses as they came to investigate the cha- 

 racter of the irritable little animals. If they happened to be in a path- 

 way, they would not turn aside to permit a passenger to move by them, 

 but boldly disputed the right of way, and uttered defiance in little sharp, 

 squeaking barks. 



The color of the Lemming is a dark browmish black, mixed irreg- 

 ularly with a tawny hue upon the back, and fading into a yellowish 

 white upon the abdomen. Its length is not quite six inches, the tail 

 being only half an inch long. 



The Common Beaver has earned a world-wide reputation by the 

 wonderful instinct which it displays, independently of its very great 

 value in producing costly fur and perfume. 



This animal occurs in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, but 

 is found in the greatest profusion in North America. In days long 

 gone by, the Beaver w-as an inhabitant of England. 



The Beaver {Castor Fiber). 



The Beavers live in societies, varying considerably in number, and 

 united together in the formation of w^orks which may fairly be consid- 

 ered as belonging to the profession of the engineer. They prefer to 

 make their habitations by small clear rivers and creeks, or close to 

 large springs, although they sometimes take up their abode on the 

 banks of lakes. 



' Lest they should not have a sufficient depth of water in all weath- 

 ers and at all seasons, the Beavers are in the habit of building veritable 

 dams, for the purpose of raising the water to the required level. These 

 dams are composed of tree-branches, mud, and stones, and, in order ef- 

 fectually to resist the action of the water, are about ten or twelve feet 



