Chapter 26 - Page 2

branches of the water willows without making

any noise, until having attained a position commanding a view of

the whole pond, he stretched himself flat on the ground, and

watched the solitary workman. In a little while, three others

appeared at the head of the dam, bringing sticks and bushes. With

these they proceeded directly to the barrier, which Captain

Bonneville perceived was in need of repair. Having deposited

their loads upon the broken part, they dived into the water, and

shortly reappeared at the surface. Each now brought a quantity of

mud, with which he would plaster the sticks and bushes just

deposited. This kind of masonry was continued for some time,

repeated supplies of wood and mud being brought, and treated in

the same manner. This done, the industrious beavers indulged in a

little recreation, chasing each other about the pond, dodging and

whisking about on the surface, or diving to the bottom; and in

their frolic, often slapping their tails on the water with a loud

clacking sound. While they were thus amusing themselves, another

of the fraternity made his appearance, and looked gravely on

their sports for some time, without offering to join in them. He

then climbed the bank close to where the captain was concealed,

and, rearing himself on his hind quarters, in a sitting position,

put his forepaws against a young pine tree, and began to cut the

bark with his teeth. At times he would tear off a small piece,

and holding it between his paws, and retaining his sedentary

position, would feed himself with it, after the fashion of a

monkey. The object of the beaver, however, was evidently to cut

down the tree; and he was proceeding with his work, when he was

alarmed by the approach of Captain Bonneville's men, who, feeling

anxious at the protracted absence of their leader, were coming in

search of him. At the sound of their voices, all the beavers,

busy as well as idle, dived at once beneath the surface, and were

no more to be seen. Captain Bonneville regretted this

interruption. He had heard much of the sagacity of the beaver in

cutting down trees, in which, it is said, they manage to make

them fall into the water, and in such a position and direction as

may be most favorable for conveyance to the desired point. In the

present instance, the tree was a tall straight pine, and as it

grew perpendicularly, and there was not a breath of air stirring

the beaver could have felled it in any direction he pleased, if

really capable of exercising a discretion in the matter. He was

evidently engaged in "belting" the tree,