04 NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Description Habitations. 



The tail is flattened laterally, and covered witty 

 scales. 



In the general form of their body, as well at 

 in many of their habits, these animals bear a con- 

 siderable resemblance to the beaver. They con? 

 struct their habitation of dry plants, but particiir 

 larly of reeds, cement it with clay, and cover it 

 with a sort of dome. At the bottom and sides 

 of this there are several pipes, through which 

 they pass in search of food; for they lay up no 

 provisions for winter. They have also subterra- 

 neous passages, into which they retreat when- 

 ever their houses are attacked. 



These habitations, which are intended only 

 for the winter, are rebuilt annually. At the ap- 

 proach of this season they begin to construct 

 them, as places of retirement from the inclemen- 

 cies of the weather. Several families occupy the 

 same dwelling, which is frequently covered under 

 a depth of eight or ten feet of snow and ice ; so 

 that they must lead a cold, gloomy, and necessi- 

 tous life till the return of spring. 



During the summer they wander about, gene- 

 rally in pairs, feeding voraciously on herbs and 

 roots. They then become extremely fat, and 

 acquire a strong musky smell ; whence they have 

 their specific name. They walk and run in an 

 awkward manner, like the beaver ; and swim very 

 indifferently, their feet being unfurnished with, 

 webs. 



The musk rats, as well as the beavers, seem tq 



