112 NATURAL HISTORY. 
which they cut into proper lengths by means of their 
teeth, which serve them instead of saws, and of clay, 
which they carry on their tails, which serve them 
for both carriages and trowels. 
308. These habitations have different apartments, 
which communicate with each other for the accom- 
modation of the family. Some of them are above, 
and some below water. The hunters, in the winter 
season, cut a hole in the ice, and cover it with a 
net ; then, demolishing the Beaver huts, the Beavers 
plunge into the hole, and are taken in the net. 
309. The skins are an important article of traffic, 
the fur being very valuable and extensively used. 
Many thousands of them are annually bought of the 
Indians by the Hudson’s Bay and North West Com- 
panies, and exported. 
Describe the manner of constructing their habitations. How do 
the hunters take them ? What is said of their skins 1 
