One day, as I was wandering along the banks of a stream, for the purpose of observing the habits of a family of beavers that had lately made their abode there, I caught sight of a number of squirrels.  They were evidently about some important operation, since they were moving steadily along the branches, and refraining from their usual frisking and playing.  Having concealed myself from their view, in order that they might not be disturbed by my presence, I noticed that they went on until they reached the branch of a tree overhanging the stream, at the extreme end of which one, who appeared to be their leader, took post, looking eagerly up the current.  In a short time a small log floated near, with a tendency to move over to the opposite side.  As it came beneath the leader of the party he dropped down upon it, at the same time uttering a sharp cry.  Quick as lightning some others followed his example; and by holding on to the lower twigs they arrested its progress until the whole party were seated on board, when the log was allowed to float, as they sagaciously knew it would, towards the opposite bank.  It seemed to me as if some of them were steering it with their tails; but of that I am not positive.  In a short time, after floating some way down the stream it was guided to the shore; when one after the other leaped off, and quickly running along the boughs of the trees, gained a point exactly opposite to that from which they had started; after which they went away into the forest,--bent, I doubted not, on some predatory expedition.  They would soon make their presence known, when they reached the pumpkin-grounds or maize-fields of the settlers.