THE BEAVER 
111 
At once they began to replace the sticks and plaster 
over the leak. 
“They build dams in order to have deep water for 
their houses ,' 1 Father explained, holding one arm 
around Ginger and one around Mother. “They like 
deep water. It protects them from enemies. They 
store limbs under it for winter food. You do not see 
any doors to their houses, do you? The openings, 
which could be called doors, are always under water. 
It is in these queer water houses that baby beavers 
are bom. They have fine fur, like that of their 
parents. 
“Notice how strong their jaws are, and what huge 
teeth they have. That is why these animals are such 
good gnawers. Their front teeth are like chisels, they 
are so strong and sharp. Even the baby beavers soon 
learn to cut into bark for food, and to cut down small 
trees." 
One great big beaver seemed to be swimming about 
trying to direct the others, although he did a great 
deal of work also. Soon the watchers were able to 
count ten beavers swimming with sticks or mud, all 
hard at work. It was very interesting to peep at them 
through cracks in the bushes. 
Suddenly, however, Buck sneezed. 
