THE BEAVER. 
215 
^^nses of the beaver being so keen as to 
^liable him to detect the recent presence of 
hunter by the slightest traces. It is ne- 
cessary that the hands should be washed clean 
before the trap is handled and baited, and 
that every precaution should be taken to 
elude the vigilance of the animal. The bait 
ts prepared from the substance called castor, 
obtained from the glandulous pouches of the 
^ale animal, which sometimes contain from 
tWo to three ounces. 
In winter the beaver becomes very fat, and 
tts flesh is esteemed by the hunters to be ex- 
cellent food ; but those caught in the summer 
lean and unfit for the table. The fur also 
Is of little value in summer ; it is only in 
'''inter that it is obtained in the state which 
''enders it so desirable for the fur traders. 
The young beavers, like the young of most 
ether animals, are very playful, and whine in 
^ manner closely resembling the cry of a child. 
