THE LIFE OF A BEAVER COLONY 95 



close to the lodge, perhaps with the idea of allowing 

 it to become water-soaked, so that it could the more 

 easily be taken down. The journeys were quickly 

 made, and little or no time lost, except when 

 occasionally, on the return trip, they would stop 

 and take a short feed. 



The trunks of the aspens were cut into con- 

 venient lengths varying from two to eight or ten 

 feet, according to the thickness. The shorter pieces 

 were rolled or pushed down the path, the longer 

 ones pulled, sometimes both animals working 

 together if the log happened to be unduly heavy, 

 using not only their hands and chests, but also 

 their hips. The entire operations proceeded 

 smoothly and with perfect system and in absolute 

 silence. Nothing was wasted and everything was 

 as tidy and orderly as possible. Interruptions 

 occurred at times when suspicious scents tainted 

 the air and caused them to suspect the proximity 

 of a foe. They would then scuttle off quietly to 

 the water and stay there so long as there was any 

 cause for alarm. Sometimes they dared not 

 approach the aspens for an entire night, owing to 

 the presence of wolves, foxes, or other predatory 

 creatures who consider beaver meat quite a luxury. 

 On these occasions they did not avail themselves 

 of the excuse to stop all work, for there was plenty 

 to be done. The dam could always take a little 

 more mud on the facing or more brush and logs 

 on the lower side, and the building of secondary 



