BEAVER. 
279 
edifice, and, with indefatigable application, refit and 
adjust whatever happens to be disconcerted. But, 
when they are too frequently persecuted by the 
hunters, they only work in the night, or else dis- 
continue their labours. However, they are so 
strongly attached to their haunts, that they must 
be sadly plagued indeed, before they will quit 
them. “ There is a strong instance,” says Charle- 
voix, tf on the road between Montreal and Lake 
Huron, which travellers, through wantonness, an- 
nually molest, yet is always repaired by the indus- 
trious inhabitants.” 
When the causeway or dike is completed they 
begin to form their cells, which are round or oval 
apartments, divided into three partitions, raised one 
above another. The first is sunk below the level 
of the dike, and generally full of water ; the other 
two are formed above it. They raise this structure 
in a very solid manner, on the edge of their cause- 
wav, and always in stories, that, in case the water 
should ascend, they may dwell in a higher situa- 
tion. If they find any little island near the reser- 
voir, they fix their dwelling there, which is then 
more solid, and they are less incommoded by the 
water, in which they are not capable of continuing 
beyond a certain time : but if they are not favoured 
with this advantage, they drive stakes into the earth 
with their teeth, to fortify the building against the 
winds and water. Mr. Pennant describes two open- 
ings to each house, one towards the land, and the 
other communicating with the water, for the con- 
