34 



CASTOROI.OGIA. 



Fiber, and its habitat is confined strictly to North America ; had it, 

 however, been distributed more broadly its fame might have eclipsed 

 that of the beaver, as it certainly will survive for generations after 

 the last beaver has forever passed away ; for the musquash relies, 

 not only on aquatic habits, but on "rapid multiplication and the 

 power of hiding." 





^ 



FIBER ZIBETHICUS— THE MUSK BEAVER. 



The musquash possesses a brain both of large size and of relatively 

 high development, it builds a home, which might easily be mis- 

 taken for the much boasted lodge of the beaver, and it is even a 

 greater burro wer. It shares with other aquatic animals much pro- 

 minence in Indian mythology, and has been a great favorite in his 

 fables. 



The collection of musquash skins amounts to millions annu- 

 ally, and being comparatively inexpensive forms an important item 



