COMMON BEAVER* 
33 
We cannot wonder that such sociable animals as 
the beavers afe* should also exhibit great attach- 
ment to each other. Two young ones that were 
taken alive* and brought to a neighbouring factory 
in Hudson's Bay* were preserved for some time* 
and throve very fast* till one of them was killed by 
an accident. The survivor instantly felt the loss* 
and starved itself to death by voluntarily abstaining 
from food. 
Instances have occurred of beavers having been 
perfectly domesticated. Major Roderfort* of new 
York* related to Professor Kalm* that he had a 
tame beaver above half a year in his house* where 
he went about* quite loose* like a dog. The Major 
gave him bread ; and sometimes fish* of which he 
was very greedy. As much water was put into a 
bowl as he wanted. All the rags and soft things 
he could meet with* he dragged into the corner 
where he was accustomed to sleep* and made a bed 
of them. The cat in the house* having kittens, 
took possession of his bed ; and he did not attempt 
to prevent her. When the cat went out* the 
beaver often took the kitten between his fore paws* 
and held it to his breast to warm it, and seemed to 
doat upon it ; as soon as the cat returned* he al« 
ways restored to her the kitten. Sometimes he 
grumbled ; but never attempted to bite. 
The skin of the beaver has hair of two kinds ; 
the lower* immediately next the hide, is short* im- 
plicated together* and as fine as down ; the upper 
hair grows more sparingly* and is both thicker and 
longer; The former is of little value ; but the 
flix, or down, is w rought into hats* stockings* caps, 
and other articles of dress. 
The hunters prefer the winter season for seeking 
out the habitations of the beavers. They stop 
up the entrance to these* on the side next the 
Water, with stakes ; and enlarge the vent-hole, 
JO&e St, ' 1' 
