does good service as both propeller and rudder. On land his short 

 legs soon weary of supporting his plump body, which measures about 

 twelve inches, while the tail is of about the same length. He is a 

 sturdy little fellow, and if there seems to him sufficient reason he 

 may wander a considerable distance from his favorite stream. 



He is peculiarly blessed with the ability to make for himself 

 either or both of two distinct types of dwelling. If the body of 

 water near which he lives has a high bank, he will dig into this 

 from under water for some ten feet, sloping the burrow upward, 

 and at the end of the passage open up a fine spacious room. If in 

 lowlands he with several others may build of weeds, sticks, etc., a 

 large pile of rubbish, within which they have a room above the 

 water line. 



141 



