THE ONDRATA. 351 



quently abandoned till the fecundity of the animal has repaired, 

 which it does in a very few years, the ravages of disease."* 



In summer the ondrata burrows in the banks of the lakes, 

 making branched canals many yards in extent, and forming 

 a nest for its young at the extremity. They have three litters 

 in the course of the summer, producing from three to seven 

 at a litter, in 55 north latitude, and begin to breed before they 

 attain their full growth. 



Hearne says, that the ondrata is easily tamed, soon becomes 

 attached, and is cleanly and playful. 



The fur, which much resembles that of the beaver but is 

 shorter, is an important and rather valuable article of com- 

 merce. Dr. Richardson says, that between 400,000 and 500,000 

 skins are annually imported into Great Britain from North 

 America, to supply the hat-manufacturers. The Canadians, 

 much disliking the smell of musk, regard the ondrata with 

 great aversion, yet when it is fat they esteem its flesh, somewhat 

 resembling pork, to be very good eating. 



THE WATER VOLE. 



(Arvicola amphlUus, Desm. j Mus amphibius, Linn.) 

 Water Rat. 



The water vole, more frequently called the water rat, inhabits 

 most parts of Europe. In Britain it is very common. It is 



* Fauna Boreali- Americana. 



