88 IV ays of Wood Folk. 



vers part ; for once the arch is closed by brush, the 

 current can no longer sweep away the earth and 

 stones used for the embankment. 



The third kind is the strongest and easiest to build. 

 It is for places where big trees lean out over the 

 stream. Three or four beavers gather about a tree 

 and begin to cut, sitting up on their broad tails. One 

 stands above them on the bank, apparently directing 

 the work. In a short time the tree is nearly cut 

 through from the under side. Then the beaver above 

 begins to cut down carefully. With the first warning 

 crack he jumps aside, and the tree falls straight across 

 where it is wanted. All the beavers then disappear 

 and begin cutting the branches that rest on the bot- 

 tom. Slowly the tree settles till its trunk is at the 

 right height to make the top of the dam. The upper 

 branches are then trimmed close to the trunk, and 

 are woven with alders among the long stubs sticking 

 down from the trunk into the river bed. Stones, mud, 

 and brush are used liberally to fill the chinks, and in 

 a remarkably short time the dam is complete. 



When you meet such a dam on the stream you are 

 canoeing don't attempt to break through. You will find 

 it shorter by several hours to unload and make a carry. 



All the beaver's cutting is done by chisel-edged 

 front teeth. There are two of these in each jaw, 

 extending a good inch and a half outside the gums, 



