RODENTS. 
138 
is, however, mostly shorter than in the latter, although on the back and flanks there 
are interspersed a number of longer bristle-like hairs. 
Distribution The geographical range of the musquash is large, extending from 
and Habits, the so-called barren grounds of Arctic America to the genial climate 
of the Rio Grande, while it also reaches from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 
Musk-rats are thoroughly adapted for an aquatic life, and generally frequent 
ponds, swamps, and sluggish streams. Although their food consists mainly of the 
roots of grasses and water-plants, they consume considerable quantities of river 
mussels; they will likewise catch and eat fish, while they are said at times to 
devour the flesh of such individuals of their own species as they may find dead, or 
wounded and helpless. Occasionally they wander considerable distances from the 
water; and Dr. Merriam relates an instance where two of these creatures were 
discovered comfortably ensconced beneath the hearthstone of a room. 
The musquash is an excellent diver, being able to remain below the surface of 
the water for a considerable time. It is much less strictly nocturnal in habits than 
the beaver, and may be frequently observed swimming about in broad daylight, 
more especially if the sky be overcast. In leaping into the water to dive, it 
makes a loud noise by striking the flat tail against the surface. The long burrow 
always has its entrance beneath the surface of the water, from which it inclines 
upwards in the bank for a distance of from 10 to 15 feet, when it expands into a 
large chamber, in which may be a nest. Usually one or more galleries lead from 
this chamber further into the bank. In certain districts where the water is deep 
these animals in the autumn sometimes collect large heaps of vegetable matter in 
the form of haycocks. Such heaps are known as “ musk-rat huts ” or “ houses." 
After mentioning that some of those built in the water attain enormous dimensions, 
Dr. Merriam observes that “ the summit of the structure is commonly high enough 
out of water to admit of an air-chamber within, which communicates with the out¬ 
side world by means of a hole through the centre of the mass, the entrance or 
entrances being under water. Many of the houses contain no mud or sticks, but 
consist wholly of balls and knots of roots and swamp-grasses. It seems clear that 
the animals make no attempt to construct a dwelling of any particular shape, but 
merely heap the materials together without plan or order, the resulting mound 
naturally assuming, in a general way, the form of a flattened cone. . . . The 
materials of which the hut are composed, it will be observed, are such as serve as 
food for the animals during the long winters; hence the musk-rat’s house is in 
reality a storehouse, which he devours piecemeal as the winter advances." 
The nest is usually placed in a burrow in the bank, although occasionally in 
the aforesaid hut. Here from five to nine blind and naked young are produced at 
a birth, and it is reported that there may be as many as three litters in the course 
of a season. 
Although not of much value, the fur of the musquash is much 
used, both in America and Europe. According to Mr. Poland, from 
three to four million skins come into the market annually; the Hudson’s Bay 
Company alone having sold over half a million in 1891. Dr. Merriam states that 
although the flesh of the musquash is red and rather flabby, yet that, failing other 
meat, it is eatable. 
