138 RODENTS. 



is, however, mostly shorter than in the latter, although on the back and flanks there 

 are interspersed a number of longer bristle-like hairs. 



Distribution The geographical range of the musquash is large, extending from 



and Habits. ^ e SO -called barren grounds of Arctic America to the genial climate 

 of the Rio Grande, while it also reaches from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 



Musk-rats are thoroughly adapted for an aquatic life, and generally frequent 

 ponds, swamps, and sluggish streams. Although their food consists mainly of the 

 roots of grasses and water-plants, they consume considerable quantities of river 

 mussels; they will likewise catch and eat fish, while they are said at times to 

 devour the flesh of such individuals of their own species as they may find dead, or 

 wounded and helpless. Occasionally they wander considerable distances from the 

 water; and Dr. Merriam relates an instance where two of these creatures were 

 discovered comfortably ensconced beneath the hearthstone of a room. 



The musquash is an excellent diver, being able to remain below the surface of 

 the water for a considerable time. It is much less strictly nocturnal in habits than 

 the beaver, and may be frequently observed swimming about in broad daylight, 

 more especially if the sky be overcast. In leaping into the water to dive, it 

 makes a loud noise by striking the flat tail against the surface. The long burrow 

 always has its entrance beneath the surface of the water, from which it inclines 

 upwards in the bank for a distance of from 10 to 15 feet, when it expands into a 

 large chamber, in which may be a nest. Usually one or more galleries lead from 

 this chamber further into the bank. In certain districts where the water is deep 

 these animals in the autumn sometimes collect large heaps of vegetable matter in 

 the form of haycocks. Such heaps are known as " musk-rat huts " or " houses.'* 

 After mentioning that some of those built in the water attain enormous dimensions, 

 Dr. Merriam observes that " the summit of the structure is commonly high enough 

 out of water to admit of an air-chamber within, which communicates with the out- 

 side world by means of a hole through the centre of the mass, the entrance or 

 entrances being under water. Many of the houses contain no mud or sticks, but 

 consist wholly of balls and knots of roots and swamp-grasses. It seems clear that 

 the animals make no attempt to construct a dwelling of any particular shape, but 

 merely heap the materials together without plan or order, the resulting mound 

 naturally assuming, in a general way, the form of a flattened cone. . . . The 

 materials of which the hut are composed, it will be observed, are such as serve as 

 food for the animals during the long winters ; hence the musk-rat's house is in 

 reality a storehouse, which he devours piecemeal as the winter advances." 



The nest -is usually placed in a burrow in the bank, although occasionally in 

 the aforesaid hut. Here from five to nine blind and naked young are produced at 

 a birth, and it is reported that there may be as many as three litters in the course 

 of a season. 



Although not of much value, the fur of the musquash is much 

 used, both in America and Europe. According to Mr. Poland, from 

 three to four million skins come into the market annually; the Hudson's Bay 

 Company alone having sold over half a million in. 1891. Dr. Merriam states that 

 although the flesh of the musquash is red and rather flabby, yet that, failing other 

 meat, it is eatable. 



