HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 383 



The BEAVER 



is the moft induftrious of all animals. Its labours feem 

 the refult of a focial compact, formed for mutual conve- 

 nience, prefervation, and fupport ; and as, in all well-re- 

 gulated focieties, a due fubordination is neceffary for the 

 well ordering and conducting each individual effort to the 

 advantage of the whole •, fo, amongft thefe curious ani- 

 mals, we find that, in forming their habitations, all have 

 their proper part of the work affigned to them, that, by- 

 dividing their labours, fafety, {lability, and expedition, 

 may be the general effect. To thispurpofe, a communi- 

 ty of two or three hundred affemble together : An over- 

 feer is chofen, whofe orders are punctually obeyed *, and, 

 by ftriking the water fmartly with his tail, gives the 

 fignal where the united force of numbers is neceffary to 

 be applied, in order to ftrengthen or fupport the fabric ; 

 or, at the approach of an enemy, to apprize the fociety 

 of their danger. — As foon as a convenient place is chofen 

 for the erection of their building, which is generally a le- 

 vel piece of ground with a fmall rivulet running through 

 it, they di ile into companies: Some are employed in 

 cutting down trees of great fize, which is done by gnaw- 



