THE fcEAVEtt, 89 



Beaver skins Castor Sociable disposition. 



upper grows more sparingly, and is both thicker 

 and longer. The latter is of little value; but 

 the flix or down is wrought into hats, stockings, 

 caps, and other articles of dress. These skins 

 form a very important article of commerce, both 

 with America and the northern countries of Eu- 

 rope. Upwards of fifty thousand have been sold 

 by the Hudson's Bay company at one sale ; and 

 in the year 1798, a hundred and six thousand 

 skins were collected in Canada and sent into 

 Europe and China. Those are preferred which 

 are taken during winter; especially if they have 

 been worn for some time by the Indians, by 

 which the long hairs fall off, leaving the fine 

 downy fur perfectly free, and better fitted for 

 every purpose of manufacture. 



The medicinal substance called castor, is found 

 in a liquid state in the inguinal glands of these 

 animals; and each individual, both male and fe- 

 male produces usually about two ounces. 



The female beavers bring forth towards the 

 end of June; and generally have two young at a 

 time ; which continue with their parents till they 

 are full three years old ; when they pair off, and 

 form houses for themselves. If, however, they 

 are undisturbed, and have plenty of provisions, 

 they remain with the old ones, and form a double 

 society. 



It is by no means surprising that such sociable 

 animals should also exhibit instances of strong 

 attachment to each other. Two young beavers 



NO. ii. M 



