NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 129 
so silent and primeval, that it seems like the heart of the 
Adirondack wilderness. Lying fairly in the lap of the 
granite hills is a three-acre oval of level swamp, which 
recently was full of woodland rubbish and choked by rank 
weeds. The seclusion of the spot, the splendid forest, the 
food-wood and the possibilities of the dam, all naturally 
suggested the beaver. 
In order that the building of a dam by the beavers would 
not raise the water level so high as to flood the roots of a 
number of fine forest trees and destroy them, two feet of 
soil was taken out of the swamp, and at the same time a 
broad outlet was excavated. A fence of small iron bars, 
with an overhang, was designed to encircle an area of about 
three acres. Within the enclosure thus made, stand several 
large forest trees—chiefly oak, sweet gum, and maple— 
which have been protected by guards of wire and cor- 
rugated iron. The small maples, however, have been given 
over to the beavers, to cut down and use as food-wood and 
also in their dam-building operations. 
The Beaver Colony in our pond is in good working order, 
and its display of work makes a highly satisfactory exhibit. 
The dam, about 40 feet long and 4 feet high, was built of 
poles and sticks which were cut, peeled, floated down and 
placed by the beavers, and pointed up with mud. There is 
a house 10 feet in diameter and 4 feet high, similarly con- 
structed. Within the enclosure about twenty saplings and 
trees have been cut down by the beavers and used up for 
food and building materials. 
For this colony the Society is indebted to Mr. Hugh J. 
Chisholm, who procured for it two specimens from Canada 
and three from Maine. 
The American Beaver, (Castor canadensis), is a remark- 
able animal. In original thought it is equalled by few ani- 
mals, and in industry by none. With the possible exception 
of the porcupine, it is the largest gnawing animal in North 
America, once was widely distributed, and its beautiful fur 
has been in demand ever since the days of the colonists. 
Unfortunately, the Beaver’s intelligence was directed chiefly 
to the building of dams, canals, and houses, and procuring 
an abundant supply of food-wood, rather than in providing 
itself with means of escape from its arch enemy—the man 
with a steel trap. Because of the constant demand for its 
fur, this animal has been so nearly exterminated throughout 
the United States that practically none remains save where 
