THE BEAVER, 255 
give it a throw forward." Beavers are very social, work- 
ing together and storing up wood in common. A beaver 
family consists of a male and female, and their offspring 
of the first and second years, or more properly, under two 
years old. The females bring forth their young from two 
Fig. 295.— Alpine Hare of the Rocky Mountains. 
to five at a time, in the month of May, and nurse them for 
a few weeks, after which the latter take to bank." They 
attain their full growth at two years and six months, and 
live from twelve to fifteen years.* 
Allied to the beaver, but forming the type of a distinct 
* The American Beaver and his Works. By Lewis H. Morgan. 1868. 
