118 R. Collett. [No. 1 



It may, however, oceasionally, too, be seen in the daytime, 

 but then, as a rule, when swimming, or without any set task 

 on hand. 



During the migrations it often makes, it may, oceasionally 

 (especialiy when it has got quite out of its course) almost entirely 

 forget its shyness, and be found roaming about during the day, 

 and it has happened that it has then even let itself be handled. 



Disposition. If attacked, the Beaver defends itself with great 

 courage, and can inflict fearful wounds. 



The blow it gives to the surface of the water ere it dives, in 

 order to warn others of danger, is so great, that the sound is said 

 to be heard in calm weather at a distance of several kilométres. It 

 is almost impossible to see the Beaver when swimming at night, 

 as only its head appears above the surface, and it is so cautious 

 that it quite exceptionally allows itself to be surprised at such a 

 time, or while working. 



It can proceed under water for a considerable distance — 

 several hundred yards. 



Trees employed. The trees which are felled by the Beaver, 

 are used both for provender and building materials. With us it 

 prefers the Aspen (P. tremula), after that the Birch, Oak and the 

 two species of Alder (Alnus incana and A. glutinosa). Coniferous 

 trees are not felled by it, but may oceasionally be used in the 

 construction of the lodge when found drifting. Most of the felled 

 trees are from 100 to 200 mm. in diameter, often of lesser size, 

 oceasionally larger (up to 450 or 470 mm.) 



The Felling and Use of the Trees. The trees are gnawed 

 all round, until a mere stalk remains, which, finally, breaks under 

 the weight of the tree. The portion gnawed away is about 300 

 mm. vertically, and resembles the ends of two pencils, point to point. 

 Small trunks or branches are gnawed in a slanting direction. The 

 stump which is left stands, as a rule, about half a métre above 

 the ground. Only live trees are attacked; they are often forsaken 

 before the gnawing has been effectually completed, and many trees 

 are left standing with gaping wounds, and nevpr touched subse- 

 quently. The chips are not used for any' purpose. 



