476 
MAMMALIA. 
number. Two have been given by Captain Laynel, wbo 
brought them from Newfoundland. The others had been pur- 
chased from M. Douenel. All are lodged in a large wooden 
box, the door of which opens on the side of a pond. As 
soon as the Castors discovered that they were placed in con- 
ditions which were favourable to their mode of existence, they 
set to work to consolidate their habitation, so as the better to 
resist the severity of the weather, and to shelter themselves 
more effectually. And, what is a remarkable fact, which can 
neither be ascribed either to habit or pure instinct, these Castors 
turned up the turf of the little lawn belonging to their domain, J 
and carried it on to their hut in such a way as completely to 
cover it, forming a roof fit to carry off the rain and keep out 
the cold and noise. In a word, they executed a special work 
which was not in accordance with their habits. 
“ There is another trait of their intelligence. At the opposite 
extremity to the entrance of their cabin an opening was made, 
through which to give them their food — bread and carrots. This 
appeared useless to them, and perhaps they were doubtful of the !; 
aperture being conducive to their safety : so they closed this 
opening by covering it over with earth. Every day the keeper 
undid their work, and every day they re-performed it. It was at 
last decided to leave them alone. M. Milne Edwards, who took 
the greatest interest in them, put at their disposal branches of 
trees : these they amused themselves by gnawing, carrying the 
debris into their hut. These intelligent animals took great pains 
to throw their excrement out of their habitation. In winter 
they closed the entrance to their home, the better to keep out 
the cold. 
“ The Beaver forms, Buffon has said, the intermediate link 
between the quadrupeds and fishes, as the Bat forms that between 
quadrupeds and birds. But to return to our description of those | 
in Paris. One day they embarked on their little river to pay a 
visit to another Castor, which led a solitary life in a small cabin 
situated at the extremity of the domain. So far as might be 
judged, the greeting on both sides was of the most cordial nature. 
The next day, the hermit returned the visit of his new acquaintances. 
Fou will say that what passed at this interview is impossible for 
me to describe. Nevertheless, it is a fact that the poor creature 
