CASTOROLOGIA. 5 



scientific nomenclature takes precedence, hence we have, fixed be- 

 yond dispute, the scientific binomen, Castor Canadensis, giving the 

 popular form, the Canadian beaver. 



The European beaver had formerly been widely spread over the 

 Old World, and it had earned a conspicuous place in the thoughts of 

 men, as early as the days of Heredotus, 420 to 480, B.C. The 

 Greeks called it Castor, irova. gastro — the stomach, having reference 

 to the appearance of the animal ; while in Latin, we find many 

 records of it under the names, "fibre," "fiber" and "fibir;" cor- 

 rupted from fibrum, and signifying that the animal dwelt on the 

 banks or edges of the rivers and streams. There is also a Latin 

 form, "beber," with which there is evident connection in the Ger- 

 man "biber," the old French "beavre," and the Anglo-Saxon 

 "beofer," "befer," and "beaver." As the determining of scientific 

 names rests absolutely on the rule of priority, regardless of correct- 

 ness or suitability, many gross anomalies occur ; but in the present 

 case no alteration or improvement could be wished for, as the 

 scientific name admits of translation into terms fairly descriptive of 

 the creature and its habits. 



With this general introduction, enquiry may now be made 

 regarding the antecedents of the beaver, and though the Old World 

 records date very early, the traditions of the North American 

 Indians, which associate the beaver with the creation of the world, 

 merit first consideration. 



