210 
THE BEAVER. 
labour in concert, is the dam, as this is de- 
signed to keep a sufficient depth of watel 
around all the habitations. 
In situations where the beaver is frequently 
disturbed and pursued, its social habits ar^ 
relinquished, and its mode of living chang^^ 
to suit the nature of circumstances, and thi^ 
occurs even in different parts of the saiB® 
rivers. Instead of building dams and house®' 
it then makes an excavation in the bank 
the stream, and adopts the manners of tb^ 
musk-rat. The beaver displays more sagacity 
in thus accommodating itself to circumstance® 
than in any other of its actions. So cautioU^ 
is it to guard against detection, that, were 'd' 
not for the stumps of the trees which indica^^ 
the species of animal by which they ha''® 
been cut down, its residence in the vicinity 
would not be suspected. Its excursions 
procuring food are made late at night, and, 
it passes from one hole to another in the day' 
