Page 32 - Beavers: Skilful Dam Constructors

Imran: You are right, Karim. Mr. Beaver, will you
please tell us a little about the dams you construct?

Mr. Beaver: First of all, we drag logs and branches
on to the bed of the stream. Then we pile light branches
up on the heavier ones. But we must place them firmly in

position, otherwise the running water will take away
what we build. That is why we add logs and strengthen
the dam with rocks. But it is still not strong enough, so
we need to support it. So we stick the branches together

with a special mixture composed of mud and leaves. This
waterproof mixture is also resistant to the eroding
effect of the water.

Karim: If it wasn’t the case, you would never be able

to build a dry lodge under water. All your efforts would
go to waste.

Mrs. Beaver: You’re right, Karim. But the dam we

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