THE MUSK-RAT, OR MUSQUASH. 141 



called also the musk-rat. As evening approaches, the creatures 

 may be seen in fine balmy weather gambolling on the surface, 

 swimming rapidly here and there, or now and then diving 

 below, apparently fearless of the passing canoe. The little 

 sedge-built hut of the water-rat is constructed much in the 

 same way as the beaver's larger mansion. The creature itself 

 looks . somewhat like the beaver, and some of its habits are 

 also similar. It is rather more than two feet in total length, 

 of which measurement about ten inches is occupied by the 

 tail. The upper part of the body is of a dark brown colour, 

 tinged in parts with a reddish hue, while the lower part is 

 ashy gray. Its tail is flattened, but vertical. Like the 

 beaver, it is furnished with an undercoat of soft downy fur. 

 Its safety has been provided for by its peculiar colour, which 

 is so like that of the muddy bank on which it dwells, that a 

 keen eye can alone detect it. Its hinder feet are webbed, the 

 imprint on the soft mud being very similar to that of a duck. 

 With the exception of the flesh of the water-mussel, its food 

 is vegetable. It is a great depredator in gardens, which it 

 has been known to plunder of carrots, turnips, and maize the 

 stalks of which it cuts close down to the ground. 



It is sought for on account of its fur, which is very valu- 

 able. The traps are set close to a tree, and when one of the 

 creatures is caught, its companions will instantly attack it and 

 tear it to pieces. Generally, however, in its struggles to get 

 free, it carries the trap under the surface, and is thus drowned. 



Audubon, the naturalist, gives us an interesting description 

 of them : " They are very lively, playful animals, when in 

 their proper element the water and on a calm night, in a 

 sequestered pool, may often be seen crossing and recrossing in 

 every direction, leaving long ripples in the water behind them, 



