THE BEAVERS OF NORTH AMERICA 13 



coming out only under water to take some twigs 

 into the house where they could enjoy a meal 

 without fear of pursuit. 



But the night passed without mishap, and the 

 first gleam of dawn saw them still busily engaged 

 in their various tasks, hidden from view by the 

 mist which nearly always settles on the ponds 

 during the cool nights. 



As the rising sun cleared the air, the beavers, 

 tired after the long night's work, retired to their 

 house, all holding an animated conversation as 

 though discussing the work they had accomplished. 

 Gradually the puppy-like voices died away before 

 the morning breeze disturbed the surface of the 

 pond, and they slept the sleep of those who have 

 worked hard and well, and earned their rest. Let 

 us leave them there to dream of the days when the 

 steel trap will be a thing of the past and they will 

 be able to continue the work which Nature intended 

 they should do. 



We have had a glimpse of them in their far-away 

 home and have seen a typical night's employment. 

 Perhaps the question comes to us, Why do they 

 have to work so hard ? Most of the wild animals 

 live a life of comparative ease, thinking only of the 

 day and making no plans, no provision for the 

 morrow. Their food is gathered as it is needed, 

 and most of them have their homes where they 

 happen to be. When tired they seek a sheltered 

 spot and go to sleep, and beyond watching for 



