94 BEAVERS—THEIR WAYS. 
From a careful study of the habits of the beavers for 
almost a lifetime, the writer is thoroughly convinced that 
these rodents can—in a manner—be domesticated and 
will breed and multiply as in their wild state, if they 
are given an inclosure not too cramped and in which 
there is a stream of running water, or if a lake, some 
living spring therein. While they seem to adapt them- 
selves to a wide range of feed, there are certain earth 
ingredients and herbs they must have for medicinal or 
other purposes, without which they would languish and 
die. 
The beaver’s feed varies as to their surroundings but 
the largest and thriftiest colonies of these animals are 
found where the cottonwood and common red willow 
grow luxuriously. Boxelder bark and bud are a favorite 
feed, while oak, ash and elm are cut and dragged to the 
feed bed when their choicer provender is scarce or non 
est. The beavers living in water holes out of the reach 
of timber are content to live on grass and flag roots in 
much the same manner as muskrats, but mixing it with 
buck brush, when found. 
There is nothing lazy about the average beaver as 
they will be found ameliorating or improving their con- 
dition wherever placed. Dig and dredge passageways 
and open up and clear away the debris from spring 
indications, is the first work of the beavers in selecting 
sites for new homes. They are contented with a hole in 
the bank for headquarters until after the dam is finished 
—if inastream. Ina lake the outlet dam is the only 
one that needs looking after—it regulating the rise and 
fall of water as does the creek dams but less percept- 
ible to the ordinary observer. \ 
ee eee SRY ee ee 
