. Fourteen weeks in zoology. Zoology. 98 SUBKINGDOM VEKTEBKATA. Fig 16g. Castor canadensis^ American Beaver. ^. Castoridae.—The Beaver was once abundant in North America, biit it retires before civilization, and is fast becom- ing extinct in this country as in Europe. Its scaly tail and webbed hind feet enable it to swim with great ease. The enamel of its incisors is very hard.* It is noted for its inge- nuity in building its * The Indians, before tlie introduction of iron among them, were accustomed to use these as chisels for worliing wood and horn. A tame heaver will take an a
. Fourteen weeks in zoology. Zoology. 98 SUBKINGDOM VEKTEBKATA. Fig 16g. Castor canadensis^ American Beaver. ^. Castoridae.—The Beaver was once abundant in North America, biit it retires before civilization, and is fast becom- ing extinct in this country as in Europe. Its scaly tail and webbed hind feet enable it to swim with great ease. The enamel of its incisors is very hard.* It is noted for its inge- nuity in building its * The Indians, before tlie introduction of iron among them, were accustomed to use these as chisels for worliing wood and horn. A tame heaver will take an apple in its forepaws, and, by dextrously turning and pressing it against its incisors, pare it as readily as if the work had been done with a kmSe.—(,Wood.) t If the place chosen is by stagnant water, the beaver at once commences build- ing on the bank, with lower entrances from the water; but, if it is a running stream, a large company combine to build a dam in order to keep the water at the same level. Going up stream they gnaw off trees one to ten or more inches in diameter. These they float down to the spot selected, and, laying them crosswise, fill in the interstices with mud and stone, which they carry between their forepaws and chin. When the water is high enough to prevent freezing to the bottom in winter, they separate into small families, and build their houses against the dam or the adjoining bank. The entrance is beneath the water, and the vaulted roof is well plastered with a thick coat of earth, to protect against the Wolverine. When they dive they always slap with their tail, and also when upon the tops of their houses inspecting them, or about their work. This has given rise to the absurd idea of their using it for a trowel to plaster their buildings, and as a hod to carry the mortar they are said to prepare.—They lay up food for winter by sinking logs and bark near their houses; but in summer feed upon grass, fruits and Please note that these imag
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1870, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1872
