in the domesticated
state, exhibits much greater intelligence than the latter.

Like the beaver, it is a water animal, and is only found where water
exists; never among the dry hills. Its "range" extends over the whole
continent of North America, wherever "grass grows and water runs." It
is most probable it is an inhabitant of the Southern Continent, but the
natural history of that country is still but half told.

Unlike the beaver, the race of the muskrat is not likely soon to become
extinct. The beaver is now found in America, only in the remotest parts
of the uninhabited wilderness. Although formerly an inhabitant of the
Atlantic States, his presence there is now unknown; or, if occasionally
met with, it is no longer in the beaver dam, with its cluster of social
domes, but only as a solitary creature, a "terrier beaver,"
ill-featured, shaggy in coat, and stunted in growth.

The muskrat, on the contrary, still frequents the settlements. There is
hardly a creek, pond, or watercourse, without one or more families
having an abode upon its banks. Part of the year the muskrat is a
social animal; at other seasons it is solitary. The male differs but
little from the female, though he is somewhat larger, and better furred.

In early spring commences the season of his loves. His musky odour is
then strongest, and quite perceptible in the neighbourhood of his haunt.
He takes a wife, to whom he is for ever after faithful; and it is
believed the connection continues to exist during life. After the
"honeymoon" a burrow is made in the bank of a stream or pond; usually in
some solitary and secure spot by the roots of a tree, and always in such
a situation that the rising of the water cannot reach the nest which is
constructed within. The entrance to this burrow is frequently under
water, so that it is difficult to discover it. The nest within is a bed
of moss or soft grasses. In this the female brings forth five or six
"cubs," which she nourishes with great care, training them to her own
habits. The male takes no part in their education; but during this
period absents himself, and wanders about alone. In autumn the cubs are
nearly full-grown, and able to "take care of themselves." The "old
father" now joins the family party, and all together proceed to the
erection of winter quarters. They forsake the "home of their nativity,"
and build a very different sort of a habitation. The favourite site for
their new house