NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 129 



so silent and primeval, that it seems like the heart of the 

 Adirondack wilderness. Lying fairly in the lap of the 

 granite hills is a three-acre oval of level swamp, which 

 recently was full of woodland rubbish and choked by rank 

 weeds. The seclusion of the spot, the splendid forest, the 

 food-wood and the possibilities of the dam, all naturally 

 suggested the beaver. 



In order that the building of a dam by the beavers would 

 not raise the water level so high as to flood the roots of a 

 number of fine forest trees and destroy them, two feet of 

 soil was taken out of the swamp, and at the same time a 

 broad outlet was excavated. A fence of small iron bars, 

 with an overhang, was designed to encircle an area of about 

 three acres. Within the enclosure thus made, stand several 

 large forest trees — chiefly oak, sweet gum, and maple — - 

 which have been protected by guards of wire and cor- 

 rugated iron. The small maples, however, have been given 

 over to the beavers, to cut down and use as food-wood and 

 also in their dam-building operations. 



The Beaver Colony in our pond is in good working order, 

 and its display of work makes a highly satisfactory exhibit. 

 The dam, about 40 feet long and 4 feet high, was built of 

 poles and sticks which were cut, peeled, floated down and 

 placed by the beavers, and pointed up with mud. There is 

 a house 10 feet in diameter and 4 feet high, similarly con- 

 structed. Within the enclosure about twenty saplings and 

 trees have been cut down by the beavers and used up for 

 food and building materials. 



For this colony the Society is indebted to Mr. Hugh J. 

 Chisholm, who procured for it two specimens from Canada 

 and three from Maine. 



The American Beaver, (Castor canadensis) , is a remark- 

 able animal. In original thought it is equalled by few ani- 

 mals, and in industry by none. With the possible exception 

 of the porcupine, it is the largest gnawing animal in North 

 America, once was widely distributed, and its beautiful fur 

 has been in demand ever since the days of the colonists. 

 Unfortunately, the Beaver's intelligence was directed chiefly 

 to the building of dams, canals, and houses, and procuring 

 an abundant supply of food-wood, rather than in providing 

 itself with means of escape from its arch enemy — the man 

 with a steel trap. Because of the constant demand for its 

 fur, this animal has been so nearly exterminated throughout 

 the United States that practically none remains save where 



