124 ROMANCE OF THE BEAVER 
but the work of clearing the canal was serious and 
occupied many nights. During this time they had 
been too busy to visit the lodged birch and its 
partly-cut neighbour. But at last one of the older 
beaver went ashore, probably with the idea of see- 
ing what had happened, and he had the satisfaction 
of finding both the trees lying on the ground in a 
confused mass. Here indeed was a harvest which 
was worth considering, and forthwith he began 
cutting off a branch, which he immediately carried 
down the mossy bank to the water and across the 
pond to the wood-pile. One of the other beaver, 
seeing him come so heavily laden, surmised the 
truth and followed him back to the source of such 
richness, while she in turn was soon followed by 
several others. Before doing much cutting, how- 
ever, they decided to make a better road, as there 
would be a very great number of loads to be carried. 
A direct course was therefore chosen from the fallen 
trees to the nearest water. In a couple of hours 
this was finished, for all worked together with but 
one end in view. No foreman directed their efforts, 
each individual seemed to know exactly what.was 
needed, and each did what was necessary without 
the slightest instruction or advice, and therein is 
one of the great mysteries of beaver work. How is 
it they work in complete concert and harmony even 
when engaged in most difficult undertakings? No 
plans are drawn, no orders given so far as we know, 
and yet the work is carried on as smoothly as 
