88 
Quadrupeds. 
several kinds of Phalangers, some of which are known 
as Flying Phalangers, from their having a broad loose 
fold of skin along each side, which, when stretched 
out by means of the legs, serves to support the little 
creature for a limo in the air, and enables it to leap 
to great distances. 
§ V. — Rodentia, or Gnawing Animals. 
THE BEAVEK. (Castor Fiber.) 
The Bea.ver is about the size of the badger; his head 
short, his ears round and small, his fore teeth long, sharp, 
and strong, and well calculated for the part which 
Nature has allotted him: the tail is of an oval form, 
and covered with a scaly skin. 
Beavers are natives of North America, and more par- 
ticularly the north of Canada. They are also found 
in Europe, and were formerly abundant in many places. 
Their houses are constructed with earth, stones, and 
sticks, neatly arranged and worked together by their 
paws. The walls are about two feet thick, and are sur- 
mounted by a kind of dome, which generally rises about 
four feet above them. The entrance is on one side, 
always at least three feet below the surface of the water, 
so as to prevent it being frozen up. The number of 
