MUSKRAT

a small aquatic rodent found generally throughout North America, resembling the common rat in general appearance and the beaver in many of its habits. It averages the size of a small rabbit, its body attaining a length of 10 to 12 inches. Among its distinguishing characteristics are its partially webbed hind feet and its long scaly tail, laterally flattened. It is commercially valuable for its skin-dark brown fur above and greyish on the under-parts-which within recent years has risen greatly in market value, the supply seldom equalling the demand for its manufacture into overcoats, etc. Its flesh also is worthy of consideration, for, properly prepared, it makes an agreeable dish. The most generally acceptable method is to soak it in salt water for an hour or so, or overnight, then to cut it up and slowly stew it with a small quantity of pork, cut in dice, a little onion, etc. A considerable number of the little animals are marketed in the larger cities, especially in Canada, under their own name and various other appellations.