11 



nature lovers brings them into disrepute when these activities run 

 counter to the economy of civilization, and in such cases the animals 

 are mercilessly denounced and many are killed. Ineffective methods 

 of preventing their mischief cause much waste of time and unneces- 

 sar}^ expense and only add to the unfavorable local sentiment against 

 them. 



BEAVER CONTROL. 



Damage by beavers can be prevented by proper methods of con- 

 trol, based on a knowledge of the habits of the animals. Before any 

 area is stocked with them the character of the country should be 

 studied and suitable areas mapped, the beavers being restricted to 

 these areas and trapping being allowed outside where the animals 



Fig. 2. — Pipe for lowering water in beaver pond. A 4 to 7 inch iron pipe with a cylinder 

 of heavy wire mesh, inserted in the upstream end for a strainer, makes an effective 

 drain for a beaver pond where it is necessary to lower the water only a foot or two. 

 Larger pipes may be used or several small pipes laid together to carry a greater flow of 

 water. Temporarily stovepipe can be used for such drainage. 



would naturally do damage. It is useless to expect that beavers will 

 remain and thrive where there is no suitable food or water, or in 

 deep streams and lakes with high or rocky shores, or that they can be 

 permitted to carry on their operations among small and closely cul- 

 tivated farms, where they are sure to destroy property. 



REGULATING THE WATER LEVEL OF BEAVER PONDS. 



It is useless to tear out or dynamite beaver dams, as the beavers, 

 if active, will replace them almost as fast as destroyed. A simple 

 method of lowering the water and keeping it at any desired level 

 above the beaver dam by means of a drainage pipe has proved, so 

 far as tested, entirely successful. Many attempts have failed through 

 imperfect methods, as the beavers will stop up the pipes or pull 

 them out if possible, displaying much intelligence and energy in 

 checking the water flow. The pipes must be securely laid and 

 fastened down, with the intake thoroughly protected. 



One or several pipes of sufficient size to carry the normal water 

 flow should be laid through the dam with the outlet at the level at 



