36 sciuridjE. 



ing is all made at one time, and is done entirely by the 

 paws, which are also used in carrying both mud and 

 stones. Wood is usually brought in the teeth, un- 

 less large logs are required, in which case they are 

 floated down stream to the desired position. Beavers 

 are popularly supposed to fell large forest trees, but 

 they never attempt one above two feet in circum- 

 ference, at the utmost : and this is sufficiently won- 

 derful, especially considering the extraordinary neat- 

 ness and celerity with which the work is done. 

 It is a curious fact that they thus fell and prepare 

 the wood required for new huts, early in summer, 

 though they do not use it till the autumn. 



The greater part of their building operations are 

 carried on at night, and their unity of purpose and 

 labour, and mutual assistance are not the least interest- 

 ing traits of the animal which has been so well chosen as 

 the national badge of the Canadians. 



In the summer the huts are deserted, their inhabi- 

 tants wandering about in search of food ; before the 

 frost commences, however, they reappear, and prepare 

 their dwellings for the winter as above. 



The cleanliness of their habits is most remarkable 

 and they are also exceedingly playful, the young ones 

 especially gamboling like kittens. 



The North American Beaver is probably rather larger 



