124 ROMANCE OF THE BEAVER 



but the work of clearing the canal was serious and 

 occupied many nights. During this time they had 

 been too busy to visit the lodged birch and its 

 partly-cut neighbour. But at last one of the older 

 beaver went ashore, probably with the idea of see- 

 ing what had happened, and he had the satisfaction 

 of finding both the trees lying on the ground in a 

 confused mass. Here indeed was a harvest which 

 was worth considering, and forthwith he began 

 cutting off a branch, which he immediately carried 

 down the mossy bank to the water and across the 

 pond to the wood-pile. One of the other beaver, 

 seeing him come so heavily laden, surmised the 

 truth and followed him back to the source of such 

 richness, while she in turn was soon followed by 

 several others. Before doing much cutting, how- 

 ever, they decided to make a better road, as there 

 would be a very great number of loads to be carried. 

 A direct course was therefore chosen from the fallen 

 trees to the nearest water. In a couple of hours 

 this was finished, for all worked together with but 

 one end in view. No foreman directed their efforts, 

 each individual seemed to know exactly what was 

 needed, and each did what was necessary without 

 the slightest instruction or advice, and therein is 

 one of the great mysteries of beaver work. How is 

 it they work in complete concert and harmony even 

 when engaged in most difficult undertakings ? No 

 plans are drawn, no orders given so far as we know, 

 and yet the work is carried on as smoothly as 



