214 Beaver M^{,skrat. 



rhinoceros is about three tons ; of an elephant, 

 five tons. 



40. The BEAVER, also an amphibious animal, 

 is remarkable for its activity, industry, and the 

 wonderful instinct it possesses for building its 

 house. 



41. You cannot imagine how this is done. They com- 

 mence by cutting or rather gnawing down trees, their only 

 instrument being their teeth. They cut in such a way 

 that the trees shall fall precisely where they want them. 

 They next float them to the spot where they intend to fix 

 their dwelling, and construct a dam. They always select 

 trees which are up stream, so that the logs may be floated 

 down by the current. 



42. After the dam is completed, which is the common 

 property of the beavers, they form into small societies and 

 build their private residences ! They make them very 

 strong, by a sort of mortar or mud, which they know well 

 how to mix. They are therefore masons and carpenters 

 at the same time. This work is all done at night. 



43. The beavers store bark for food in these houses, 

 each apartment having its own storehouse. If danger 

 comes to them, they sound the alarm with their tail, giving 

 one to four blows. 



44. The beaver inhabits northern Asia and America. 

 It lives on the bank of a stream, has webbed hind feet, 

 and is an excellent swimmer and diver. It is a little 

 larger than a cat. 



45. The fur of the beaver is very valuable. 



46. The MUSKRAT is something like the 

 beaver in its size, form, habits and disposition, 



