The Muskrat ^y 



As with other aquatic mammals, the pelage of the 

 muskrat consists of an under coat of soft, dense fur, 

 while the outer is coarse and of longer hair. In many 

 particulars the fur resembles that of the beaver, al- 

 though it has not so much compactness and lustre. 

 The prevailing color is a dark chestnut-brown on 

 the back, changing to reddish on the sides, while the 

 ventral parts, and particularly the chin and throat, are 

 of a grayish hue. The fur was formerly a valuable 

 article of commerce, and is still found in the market 

 in small quantities. 



The muskrat is found about ponds, lakes, and slug- 

 gish streams throughout the greater portion of North 

 America. The character of the home, as I have ob- 

 served it, depends very largely upon the nature of the 

 country. Where there is an extensive swamp or 

 shallow stretch of water along the main stream, the 

 summer home is a burrow in the bank, while the 

 winter home may be a hut or lodge in the swamp; if 

 the stream be a narrow one, with little or no swamp, the 

 burrow in the bank is the more usual abode. The 

 entrance to the burrow or lodge is in water so deep 

 that the passageway will not freeze in winter. 



While stupid enough in most matters, the muskrat 

 surprises us in manifesting a remarkable degree of 

 intelligence in selecting certain marshes for its home. 



