easy task, as the work had to be begun under 
water because of the lack of a supporting hum¬ 
mock. The beavers, having no tools other than 
their paws, could not drive upright sticks as 
a piling; but they managed, nevertheless, to 
get a firm foundation. 
This foundation, which was about twelve 
feet across, was almost a perfect circle, and 
was built of rocks, sticks and mud. The rocks 
were first rolled down the bank of the canal 
into the water; then they were worked into 
position, and a mattress of sticks, mud and 
small stones built in about them. The whole 
mass was so closely worked together that its 
strength and permanency were made certain, 
and it was carried high enough above the 
water to assure the occupants of the new home 
that they would always have a dry floor. 
Meanwhile, in the woods at the head of 
the canal, the other beavers were busily lum¬ 
bering, in order to provide wood to be used 
by the builders, They worked in pairs, and 
the partners were, as a rule, mates. Thus 
Father Beaver and Mother Beaver were at the 
same tree. 
Father Beaver, an old hand at such labor, 
knew just how to begin, for without any 
hesitation he chose the tree on which he wished 
to work. It was a fine, straight poplar of the 
cottonwood variety, and was about seven 
67 
