THE BEAVERS OF NORTH AMERICA 13 
coming out only under water to take some twigs 
into the house where they could enjoy a meal 
without fear of pursuit. 
But the night passed without mishap, and the 
first gleam of dawn saw them still busily engaged 
in their various tasks, hidden from view by the 
mist which nearly always settles on the ponds 
during the cool nights. 
As the rising sun cleared the air, the beavers, 
tired after the long night’s work, retired to their 
house, all holding an animated conversation as 
though discussing the work they had accomplished. 
Gradually the puppy-like voices died away before 
the morning breeze disturbed the surface of the 
pond, and they slept the sleep of those who have 
worked hard and well, and earned their rest. Let 
us leave them there to dream of the days when the 
steel trap will be a thing of the past and they will 
be able to continue the work which Nature intended 
they should do. 
We have had a glimpse of them in their far-away 
home and have seen a typical night’s employment. 
Perhaps the question comes to us, Why do they 
have to work so hard? Most of the wild animals 
live a life of comparative ease, thinking only of the 
day and making no plans, no provision for the 
morrow. Their food is gathered as it is needed, 
and most of them have their homes where they 
happen to be. When tired they seek a sheltered 
spot and go to sleep, and beyond watching for 
