16 SOCIAL HABITATIONS. 
and the other into the water, so far below the surface that 
it cannot be closed by ice. It is, therefore, always possible 
for the Beaver to gain access to the provision stores, and 
to return to its house, without being seen from the land. 
The lodges are nearly circular in form, and much re- 
semble the well-known snow-houses of the Esquimaux, 
being domed, and about half as high as they are wide, the 
average height being three feet, and the diameter six or 
seven feet. These are the interior dimensions, the ex- 
terior measurement being much greater, on account of 
the great thickness of the walls, which are continually 
strengthened with mud and branches, so that, during the 
severe frosts, they are nearly as hard as solid stone. 
Each lodge will accommodate several inhabitants, whose 
beds are arranged round the walls. 
All these precautions are, however, useless against the 
practised skill of the trappers. Even in winter time the 
Beavers are not safe. The hunters strike the ice smartly, 
and judge by the sound whether they are near an aper- 
ture. As soon as they are satisfied, they cut away the 
ice and stop up the opening, so that if the Beavers should 
be alarmed, they cannot escape into the water. They then 
proceed to the shore, and by repeated soundings, trace the 
course of the Beavers’ subterranean passage, which is some- 
times eight or ten yards in length, and by watching the 
various apertures are sure to catch the inhabitants. This 
is not a favourite task with the hunters, and is never under- 
taken as long as they can find any other employment, for 
the work is very severe, the hardships are great, and the 
price which they obtain for the skins is now very small. 
While they are thus engaged, they must be very care- 
ful not to spill any blood, as if they do so, the rest of the 
Beavers take alarm, retreat to the water, and cannot be 
captured. They also have a curious superstitious notion, 
