DR. BARTLETT.
They are to be found in Germany, and in Poland, along the rivers; but chiefly in Canada.
WILLIAM.
May I ask what sort of creatures these are?
DR. BARTLETT.
They are amphibious; so we name those creatures which can live either on land or in the water. The head is larger than a rat’s; their fore feet are short, and with these they hold fast their food; their hind feet are long, and with a web betwixt the claws, like the ducks; and their tails are flat and finny, and assist them to swim with more ease than they could do, if they only used their feet for that purpose.
CHARLES.
But of what materials do they build the thick walls of their houses?
DR. BARTLETT.
They mix and knead together, with their fore feet, clay, earth and water; and their tails serve first as a mortar-tray to carry it, and then as a trowel to plaister it on in a proper manner.