476 ilAMMiiilA. 



number. Two liave been given by Captain Laynel, who 

 brought them from Newfouudkud. The others had been pur- 

 chased from M. Douenel. All are lodged in a large wooden 

 box, the door of which opens on the side of a pond. As 

 soon as the Castors discovered that they were placed in con- 

 ditions which were favourable to their mode of existence, they 

 set to work to consolidate their habitation, so as the better to 

 resist the severity of the weather, and to shelter themselves 

 more eifectually. And, what is a remarkable fact, which can 

 neither be ascribed either to habit or pure instinct, these Castors 

 turned up the turf of the little lawn belonging to their domain, 

 and carried it on to their hut in such a way as completely to 

 cover it, forming a roof fit to carry off the rain and keep out 

 the cold and noise. In a word, they executed a special work 

 which was not in accordance with their habits. 



" There is another trait of their intelligence. At the opposite 

 extremity to the entrance of their cabin an opening was made, 

 through which to give them their food — bread and carrots. This 

 appeared useless to them, and perhaps they were doubtful of the 

 aperture being conducive to their safety : so they closed this 

 opening by covering it over with earth. Ever}' day the keeper 

 undid their work, and every day they re-performed it. It was at 

 last decided to leave them alone. M. Milne Edwards, who took 

 the greatest interest in them, put at their disposal branches of 

 trees : these they amused themselves by gnawing, carrying the 

 debris into their hut. These intelligent animals took great pains 

 to throw their excrement out of their habitation. In winter 

 they closed the entrance to their home, the better to keep out 

 the cold. 



" The Beaver forms, Buffon has said, the intermediate link 

 between the quadrupeds and fishes, as the Bat forms that between 

 quadrupeds and birds. But to return to our description of those 

 in Paris. One day they embarked on their little river to pay a 

 visit to another Castor, which led a solitary life in a small cabin 

 situated at the extremity of the domain. So far as might be 

 judged, the greeting on both sides was of the most cordial nature. 

 The next day, the hermit returned the visit of his new acquaintances. 

 Fou will say that what passed at this interview is impossible for 

 me to describe. Nevertheless, it is a fact that the poor creature 



