96 
NATURE’S CRAFTSMEN 
two months hence an enormous amount would 
be impounded. So great a menace did this huge 
dam present that the State Commission of game 
gave the district Game Warden permission to 
destroy the colony. Over two hundred beavers 
of all sizes were trapped and the pelts sold at 
auction. Under the protective laws, beavers in 
all parts of the Northwest multiply rapidly, and 
their dams often disturb the proper flow of water 
feeding irrigation canals.’ ” 
“ It is good to know that nowadays official per¬ 
mission is necessary before the little creatures can 
be slain,” commented Auntie. “ They have been 
so mercilessly persecuted in the past, not only for 
their fur but for their flesh as well. In the be¬ 
ginning of this century, more than two hundred 
thousand skins were shipped to foreign lands each 
year. The Indians and Canucks are very fond 
of beaver meat. It is said to taste something like 
pork, but it is more oily and fragrant.” 
“ Like ’possum, I imagine,” remarked Uncle 
John, “ it takes a person with a considerable lik¬ 
ing for wild meat to enjoy it.” 
“Beavers are black, aren’t they?” queried 
Alice. “ All the beaver fur I remember seeing 
has been confined to hats.” 
“ Chestnut brown is the usual color, I believe,” 
replied Uncle John, “ though there are often 
black and spotted specimens, and now and then 
there is a pure white one. The beaver is a rodent; 
