They are very injurious, and their use is not apparent;—why then did God create them? I should think there must be some hidden reason, which we cannot dive into, or even get a glance to direct our search. DR. BARTLETT. You do well to reason in this manner. Who can pretend to fathom the secrets of the Most High, or circumscribe his ways? All that is necessary to direct our search after virtue, is found by those, who seek for it, as for hid treasure: questions, that mere wanton curiosity dictates, are left doubtful, or discovered by chance. The knowledge of them is not essential to our earthly comfort; though modest enquiries into the operations of nature, will ennoble our minds, and raise us above grovelling pursuits. We must first labour for the one thing needful:—if we are good here, we shall be wiser hereafter. CHARLES. I will try to remember what you have said, Sir. DR. BARTLETT. But speaking of the ants brings to my remembrance some other creatures, that are still more skilful, I mean the beavers. How would you both be astonished, could I show you the habitations these wonderful creatures make! No experienced builder could form them better. They first choose a very healthful situation, and where there is plenty of provision, near a fresh stream of water; and then raise an eminence with great labour and dispatch. For this purpose they dig out the earth and clay with their fore feet, and carry their burdens on their tails (which nature has made a little hollow like a shovel) to the place they have chosen for their abode. With their teeth they cut with great expedition through trees as thick as my arm; and these piles they work into the ground to form a firm foundation. Then they begin to build a house, which consists of three stories, one above another; the walls are perpendicular, and more than a foot thick. It is within very neat, of a round form, and has an arched roof. The size in proportion to the number of the family that is to reside in it: for example, they allow fourteen or fifteen feet for twelve beavers. What think you of such creatures? CHARLES. I am astonished, Sir; I wish I could once see these architects. In what country are they to be found? 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.