DOMESTICATION OF BEAVERS. 261 
that would make manifest their understand- 
ing, and more than answer our caresses. An 
example, (but only cne example in a hun- 
dred,) presents itself in the Beaver, whose 
habits in domesticity are pictured by a North 
American trader. 
‘* I have kept several Beavers,” says 
Hearne, “ till they became so domesticated 
as to answer to their name, and to follow 
those to whom they are accustomed, in the 
same manner as a Dog would do; and they 
were as much pleased at being fondled as 
any animal I ever saw. In cold weather they 
were kept in my own sitting-room, where 
they were the constant companions of the 
Indian women and children, and were so 
fond of their company, that when the In- 
dians were absent for any considerable time, 
the Beavers discovered great signs of uneasi- 
ness; and, on their return, showed equal 
marks of pleasure, by fondling them, crawl- 
ing into their laps, lying on their backs, 
sitting like a Squirrel, and behaving like 
children who see their parents but seldom. 
In general, during the winter, they lived on 
the same food as the women did, and were 
