of such importance in hat-making, and the cause of the animal's
commercial value.

The habits of the coypou are much like those of most of the other
aquatic rodent animals. Its principal food, in a state of nature, is
vegetable. It affects the neighbourhood of water, swims perfectly
well, and burrows in the ground. The female brings forth from five to
seven; and the young always accompany her.

The coypou is easily domesticated, and its manners in captivity are
very mild.

* * * * *



NOTES OF A READER.

* * * * *


RECORDS IN THE TOWER OF LONDON.

(_From the Edinburgh Review, just published._)


[These stores are of invaluable interest, particularly with reference
to the earlier and most obscure portions of our history.]

An immense collection of royal letters and state papers, miscellaneous