156 THE BEAVER. 



is erected perpendicular, and, though the base of thia 

 causeway is twelve feet broad, it diminishes as it ele- 

 vates, and at the top is not above two. 



As soon as this astonishing fabric is complete, and 

 the clay so thoroughly plastered that the water cannot 

 find a passage through, they begin to form their va- 

 rious apartments, some of which are round, and others 

 of an oval shape ; and divided into three different sto- 

 ries, to which they repair as the water increases in 

 height. At the bottom of each apartment are two 

 apertures, through which every thing that could defile 

 them is regularly conveyed, as their cleanliness can 

 only be equalled by their contrivance ; and each room 

 has a regular communication with the rest. 



These curious habitations are generally completed 

 by the end of August, or the beginning of September, 

 at which time they are employed in collecting the 

 winter stores, which chiefly consist of the wood of 

 birch and plane, which they contrive to soften by 

 steeping it in the stream. In summer, it is true, they 

 regale themselves luxuriously, and compensate for the 

 coarseness of their winter fare, by feasting upon the 

 choicest fruits and plants which the country they in- 

 habit can possibly afford. 



The beaver is very common in the northern parts of 

 America, but in the southern it is very rare ; and where- 

 ever it exists in the old continent, it seems to prefer 

 the colder climes. This animal is about two feet long, 

 and not quite one in height; in form it is allowed to 

 resemble a rat, except in the singular appearance of 

 the tail, which differs from that of every other quad- 

 ruped, by being entirely covered with thick scales. — 

 This extraordinary phenomenon in nature serves the 

 creature for a double use ; for,' as it is both broad and 



