THE BEAVER. 137 



flat, it answers the purpose of a conductor for the 

 clay, and acts as a rudder when it swims. The fore 

 feet of the beaver are formed like those of other quad- 

 rupeds ; but the hinder has membranes between the 

 toes : the colour of the hair is a light brown, and of 

 two different kinds ; the one much longer than the 

 other, and not near so soft and pleasant to the touch ; 

 the teeth are formed like those of the rat, though 

 stronger in make, and larger in size, and calculated for 

 the destruction they make amongst the trees. It is 

 curious to observe these industrious animals collecting 

 their winter store, and cutting down branches from 

 different trees, which sometimes measure ten feet in 

 length ; if they are at the trouble of dividing these 

 branches, each animal takes a separate piece in its 

 mouth, and arranges it in piles in its curious habitation, 

 in readiness for its future support and food. When 

 they are employed in this necessary undertaking, each 

 approaches the habitation by a different route, that 

 they may neither jostle or interfere with the other, but 

 persevere in their object without any delay. When 

 large pieces of wood are to be removed to the reposi- 

 tory, the exertion of these laborious animals are com- 

 bined, and they jointly contrive to carry a piece of 

 timber that it appears incredible they could even move. 

 Those who are accustomed to hunt the beaver, are 

 aware of their fondness for green wood, and therefore 

 make a point of planting it near their habitations, 

 and when the animal comes out to eat, take them by. 

 surprise. 



THE SEAL. 



The seal, in some respects, resembles a quadruped, 

 but, in its habits and manner of living, bears greater 



