jfrimb 



of a mile distant, to the home of her dead neigh- 

 bor and there brought all the youngsters up. 



Beaver have great fun while growing up. Posted 

 on the edge of the house, they nose and push each 

 other about, ofttimes tumbling one another into 

 the water. In the water they send a thousand 

 merry ripples to the shore, as they race, wrestle, 

 and dive in the pond. They play on the house, 

 in the pond, and in the sunshine and shadows of 

 the trees along the shore. 



Beaver are mature the third summer of their 

 lives, and at this time they commonly leave the 

 parental home, pair, and begin life for themselves. 

 There are stories to the effect that the parents of 

 the youthful home-builders accompany the child- 

 ren to new scenes, help them select a building- 

 site, and assist in the construction of the new 

 house and dam. After this the parents return 

 home. This probably is occasionally true. Any- 

 way I once saw this program fairly well carried 

 out, and at another time in a limited manner. 



The beaver is practical, peaceful, and industri- 

 ous. He builds a permanent house and keeps it 

 clean and in repair. Beside it he stores food-supply 



29 



