oe fe SB Ore Be, 
getting to their magazine of provifion in frofty weather. This ori- 
fice is formed fo as to be beyond the thicknefs of the ice ; for they 
lodge their provifions under the water, and dive and bring it into 
their houfe according as they want it. 
Their food is laid in before winter by the tenants of each houfe ; 
it confifts of the bark and boughs of trees. Lazw/on fays that they 
are fondeft of the faffafras, afh, and fweet gum. In fummer they 
live on leaves, fruits, and fometimes crabs and cray-fifh; but they 
are not fond of fith. ; 
The number of houfes in each pond is from ten to twenty-five: 
the number of animals in each, from two to thirty. They are fup- 
pofed to affociate in pairs; are therefore monogamous: another proof 
of their advances towards civilization. 
T think I have heard that every family confifts of an even number. 
Sometimes the community, within the precinct of a dam, confifts of 
four hundred; but I prefume this muit be in places little frequented 
by mankind. 
They begin to build their houfes, when they form a new fettle- 
ment, in the fummer ; and-it cofts them a whole feafon to finifh their 
work, and lay in their provifions. 
They are very attentive to their fafety ; and on any noife take to 
the water for their further fecurity. They form vaults or burrows in 
the banks of the creek formed by the dam, into which they retreat 
in cafe of imminent danger. 
They feem-to be among quadrupeds, what Bees are among infects. 
‘Fhey have a chief, or fuperintendant, in their works, who directs the 
whole. The utmoft attention is paid to him by the whole commu- 
nity. Every individual has his tafk allotted, which they undertake 
with the utmoft alacrity. The overfeer gives a fignal by a certain 
number of fmart flaps with his tail, expreffive of his orders. The 
moment the artificers hear it, they haften to the place thus pointed 
out, and perform the allotted labor, whether it is to carry wood, or 
draw the clay, or repair any accidental breach, 
They 
ror 
Macazines. 
Foop. 
NuMBER OF 
HOUSES 
OF INHABITANTS 
OVERSEERRS. 
