CHAPTER VII. 



Tree Felling and Log Rolling — The Construction of the Lodge and 

 Burrows — Varieties of Dam, and Methods of Building— The 

 Canal, its Development and Uses. 



If no exaggerations had ever appeared in connection with the 

 beaver, except those referring to his performances in felHng trees, 

 the stock of these alone wonld have been sufficient to damage the 

 reputation of Natural Histor}^ writers ; for the accomplishment of 

 applying their cutting teeth to the trunk of a tree, in much the same 

 manner as a rat will cut the corners of cupboard doors, has been 

 magnified and embellished beyond recognition. The beaver is sup- 

 posed to be able to fell the tree in any direction he chooses, thus 

 overcoming the laws of gravitation, and great stress is laid on the 

 fact that " he always makes the tree fall towards the water ;" yet, 

 it is generally overlooked, that trees growing near water naturally 

 incline with the sloping of the banks towards the waters, and that 

 the development of branches and foliage is greater in the direction 

 of the open space over the water. 



The most elaborate details concerning these statements are to be 

 found in a little volume, published in 1738, entitled " Avantures du 

 Sr. C. LeBeau."' It is utterly incomprehensible how such accounts 

 could have had birth ; and when those who are supposed to record 

 actual experiences, write such fabulous nonsense, can it be won- 

 dered that the masses who never ha\-e had the opportunity of dis- 

 proving the statements, have accepted them for what they claim to 

 be, that is, the evidence of an eye witness. 



LeBeau, not satisfied with giving his pen absolute license, has 

 given equal latitude to the pencil, and the accompanying plate re- 

 produced from the original engraving, shows clearly that the artist 



