THE BEAVER RAT, 



163 



through it. But, inasmuch as the presence of water 

 in the lungs would be fatal, a second line of defence 

 is needed, and is found in the manner in which the 

 glottis opens into the nostrils. 



One rather curious result ensues from the latter 

 structure. As the glottis does not open into the 

 mouth, as is usual among animals, the Coypu cannot 

 utter any loud or resonant cry, and can only produce 

 a shrill sort of whistle through its nose. 



The fondness of the animal for water is an integral 

 part of its nature; and even if it be only supplied 

 with a basin full, it will be dabbling in it all day. 

 Like many of the rodents, it uses its fore paws much 

 after the manner of hands ; and, if it be not satisfied 

 that its food is pure and clean, the Coypu will take it 

 to the water, dip it, and shake it with wonderful 

 dexterity until its fastidious love of cleanliness is 

 gratified. In its feeding it much resembles the 

 squirrel, sitting upright, and holding its food to its 

 mouth with its fore paws. The hind feet are long, 

 and the toes webbed ; these being the chief instru- 

 ments of propulsion* 



THE BEAVER RAT (Hydromys chrysog aster) . 



There are other rodent water trespassers, of which 

 we have only space for two. The first is the Beaver 

 Hat, a native of Van Diemen's Land. It is not nearly 

 so large as the coypu, the former animal measuring 

 three feet in total length, while the latter is only two 

 feet long. The tail of the Beaver Eat too, occupies 



