568 COYPU RAT, OR RACOONDA. 



the trap useless until it has been re-set. For instead of trying to get at the bait, it fetches 

 quantities of mud and stones, heaps its load upon the trap until it has raised a small 

 mound, and after placing its own superabundant castoreum upon the little hillock, goes 

 away in safety. 



In spite of their stores of provisions, the Beavers become very thin during the winter 

 months, so that they are in bad case when spring comes in. However, the succulent diet 

 which they then find has a rapid and beneficial effect upon them, and by the beginning 

 of autumn they are quiet fat. By study of the Beaver's habits, the trappers are enabled to 

 prognosticate the kind of weather which is likely to happen. For example, as it is well 

 known that the Beavers always cut their winter's store of wood in good season, the fact 

 of their early commencement of this labor shows that winter will be earlier than usual. 



The color of the long shining hairs which cover the back of the Beaver is a light 

 chestnut, and the fine wool that lies next to the skin is a soft grayish-brown. The total 

 length of the animal is about three feet and a half ; the flat, paddle-shaped, scale-covered 

 tail being about one foot in length. The flesh of the Beaver is eaten by the trappers, who 

 compare it to flabby pork. The tail is something like beef marrow, when properly cooked, 

 but it is too rich and oily to suit the taste of most persons. The female Beaver produces 

 about three or four young at a litter, and the little creatures are born with open eyes. 



COYPU RAT, OR RACOONDA. Myopotamus Coypns. 



THE COYPU RAT, or RACOONDA, as it is sometimes termed, is a native of Central 

 America, where it is found in such great numbers that its beautiful fur is imported into 

 Europe in very large quantities. 



The color of this animal is a light reddish-brown, the hairs being variegated with 

 both tints, not unlike that of the beaver in character and general appearance. Indeed, 

 the creature bears a great resemblance to a miniature beaver, with the exception of its 

 tail, which is long and rounded, instead of being flattened like that of the true beaver. 

 The incisor teeth are a light reddish-orange, and are very conspicuous even at some 

 distance. The length of a full-grown Coypu is about two feet six inches, its tail being 

 about fifteen inches long. 



It is a quick and lively animal, and very amusing in its habits. It swims nearly, if 

 not quite, as well as the beaver, using its webbed hind feet in much the same manner. 

 It is wonderfully dexterous in the use of its fore-paws, which it uses as if they were hands, 

 while it sits upright on its hinder paws and tail. I have often watched the funny antics 

 of tht Coypus in the zoological gardens, and have been much amused by the manner in 



