(Ruineb <Cofonj> 



pond and placing these on the slowly rising ad- 

 dition. Eleven were working at one time. By and 

 by three swam ashore, each in a different direc- 

 tion and each a few seconds apart. After a min- 

 ute or two they returned from the shore, each 

 carrying or trailing a long willow. These were 

 dragged to the top of the addition, laid down, and 

 trampled in the mud. Meantime the mud-carriers 

 kept steadily at their work; again willows were 

 brought, but this time four beavers went, and, as 

 before, each was independent of the others. I 

 did not see how this work could go on without 

 some one bossing the thing, but I failed to detect 

 any beaver acting as overseer. While there was 

 general cooperation, each acted independently 

 most of the time and sometimes was apparently 

 oblivious of the others. These beavers simply 

 worked, slowly, silently, and steadily; and they 

 were still working away methodically and with 

 dignified deliberation when darkness hid them. 



