THE LIFE OF A BEAVER COLONY 95 
close to the lodge, perhaps with the idea of allowing 
it to become water-soaked, so that it could the more 
easily be taken down. The journeys were quickly 
made, and little or no time lost, except when 
occasionally, on the return trip, they would stop 
and take a short feed. 
The trunks of the aspens were cut into con- 
venient lengths varying from two to eight or ten 
feet, according to the thickness. The shorter pieces 
were rolled or pushed down the path, the longer 
ones pulled, sometimes both animals working 
together if the log happened to be unduly heavy, 
using not only their hands and chests, but also 
their hips. The entire operations proceeded 
smoothly and with perfect system and in absolute 
silence. Nothing was wasted and everything was 
as tidy and orderly as possible. Interruptions 
occurred at times when suspicious scents tainted 
the air and caused them to suspect the proximity 
of a foe. They would then scuttle off quietly to 
the water and stay there so long as there was any 
cause for alarm. Sometimes they dared not 
approach the aspens for an entire night, owing to 
the presence of wolves, foxes, or other predatory 
creatures who consider beaver meat quite a luxury. 
On these occasions they did not avail themselves 
of the excuse to stop all work, for there was plenty 
to be done. The dam could always take a little 
more mud on the facing or more brush and logs 
on the lower side, and the building of secondary 
