green wood that is used by the beavers for food; after the stick is peeled,
they float it out at a distance from the house. Many good housewives might
learn a lesson of neatness and order from the humble beaver.

"In large lakes and rivers, the beavers make no dams; they have water
enough without putting themselves to that trouble; but in small creeks
they dam up, and make a better stop-water than is done by the millers. The
spot where they build their dams is the most labour-saving place in the
valley, and where the work will stand best. When the dam is finished, not
a drop of water escapes; their work is always well done.

"This part of the country abounds in beavers. An Indian will kill upwards
of three hundred in a season. The skin of the beaver is not worth as much
as it used to be, but their flesh is an excellent article of food."
--_Journal of the_ REV. PETER JACOBS, _Indian Missionary_.]




CHAPTER VIII.

INDIAN BOY AND HIS PETS--TAME BEAVER AT HOME--KITTEN, WILDFIRE--PET
RACOON AND THE SPANIEL PUPPIES--CANADIAN FLORA.


"Nurse, you have told me a great many nice stories; now I can tell you
one, if you would like to hear it," and the Governor's little daughter
fixed her bright eyes, teaming with intelligence, on the face of her
nurse, who smiled, and said she should like very much to hear the story.