20 TTAT ?T)T OX THE BEAVER IN NOVA SCOTIA. 



that in larger works, where the channel is broader, and liable to 

 heavy water, the dam is made convex to the current. 



As the beaver residing on the lakes does not build a dam in 

 the vicinity of his dwelling, the reason of the strong instinct 

 implanted in this animal to produce these marvellous construc- 

 tions under other circumstances becomes apparent. Whenever 

 from the situation or nature of the water, there is a probability 

 of the supply becoming shortened by drought, and to ensure 

 sufficient water to enter his dwelling from beneath the ice in 

 winter, the beaver constructs a dam below to maintain the 

 supply of water necessary to meet either oi these contingencies. 

 In former j-ears, when beaver abounded in all parts of the 

 Province, it is evident from the numerous beaver meadows now 

 left dry, that they took advantage not only of valleys traversed 

 b}^ sm;dl brooks, but even of swampy lands occasionally 

 inundated by heavy rains.* 



Thus doubtless were formed those numerous savannahs, 

 termed wild meadow lands by the settlers, which abound in the 

 interior. A young pair of beavers, driven from some colony to 

 seek a fresh home through scarcity of food, chose some virgin 

 brook, and built their dam. Large spaces in the woods thus 

 became inundated, and heavy rains and freshets continually 

 brought accessions of fine soil from the surrounding hills. At 

 lensrth the beaver was exterminated, and though all traces of his 

 home and defences disappeared, an enduring monument of his 

 industry still survives him, and is eagerly sought by hi^ thankless 

 destroyers, for the rich waving field of wild grass which grows 

 on the site of his former aquatic territory. 



With respect to the houses — we had opportunities during the 

 excursion alluded to, to examine several, and in every variety 

 of situation — by the lake shoie, on the edge of swampy 

 meadows fringing sluggish waters, far liack up some small forest 

 brook, or when l)uilt on the brink of a rapid river. They all 

 presented a similar appearance, all equally rough on the exterior 



*Crossin^ a i^mall rri'assy me;)flow in a valley in tlic woods near Liverpool River 

 duriri"^ the past fall (1866), \ve found the water standintr nearly as hiyrh as the knee, and 

 as t!ie deptii was not to be accounted for hv the recent rains, we passed round to the 

 foot, where a newly construfted beaver dam still unfinished explained the occurrence. 



