MAMMIFEROUS ANIMALS. 375 



and partly encased in close and compact scales, 

 adjusted like those of the fish, and which, convex 

 above, and broad and flat below, is particularly 

 suited to the purposes for which this instrument 

 seems to have been intended ; namely, as a pad- 

 dle and rudder to forward and regulate the 

 animal's motion when swimming ; and as a trowel 

 to press together, and afterwards to plaster the 

 materials, which it uses for the erection of its 

 habitation. 



Its fore feet, which resemble in shape those of 

 the Rat, are small and short; having five divided 

 toes, strongly armed with claws, well calculated 

 for digging the holes into which are to be deposi- 

 ted the foundation of its building ; and these 

 feet, like the Squirrel, it also uses as hands to 

 convey substances to its mouth, or to assist in re- 

 moving them from one place to another, when it 

 is in the act of collecting its materials. 



Its hind feet are made large and powerful 

 with five toes connected like those of the Goose 

 by a strong membrane or web, which affords to 

 the animal that facility in swimming that forms 

 so peculiar a part of its habits. It is owing to this 

 difference in the structure of the fore and hind 

 legs, that the Beaver swims better than it can 

 walk ; the latter action consisting of a shuffling 

 kind of motion, which throws its head low, and 

 very considerably increases the arch of the back. 



Its head, the whole of the body, and a part of 



