together with a spirit of perseverance that is astounding. Is it any
wonder that the Indians say that the beavers were once human beings,
whom, for the punishment of some misconduct The Master of Life
condemned to get down and grovel upon the ground as four-footed animals
for the rest of their days.

"Yes, my son," replied Oo-koo-hoo, when we were discussing beavers,
"they are a very clever and a very wise people, and it would be better
for us if we emulated them more than we do, for as you know, they
believe in not talking but in working and making good use of the brains
The Master of Life has given them, and that is the only way to be
really happy in this world. Besides, he is always true to his wife--a
fine example to men--furthermore, he is a good provider who looks after
his children, and is a decent, clean-living fellow who never goes out
of his way to quarrel with any one, but just minds his own business and
cuts wood."

Could any nation choose a creature more fit for a national emblem? I
believe not. For would any wise man compare a useless, screeching
eagle, or a useless, roaring lion--each a creature of prey--to a
silent, hard-working, and useful beaver who remains true to his wife
all his life, who builds a comfortable home for his children, provides
them well with food and teaches them . . . not how to kill other
creatures . . . but how to work, . . . how to construct strong,
comfortable houses, how to build dams to protect, not only their
children, but their homes, too, how to chop down trees for food, how to
dig canals to float the food home, how to store it for the winter, how
to keep the home clean and in good order, how to mind their own
business and never seek a quarrel, and, at the same time, how to defend
themselves desperately if an enemy attacks them.