Notes On the Muskrat

(1) The beautiful songs of the Chinese muskrat are longer and more complex than those of the humpbacked whale.

(2) Because of its tendency to destroy dams and dykes, the muskrat is the natural enemy of the beaver.

(3) In some cultures, the muskrat is known as the ‘lucky water rat’ and placed in the same crib as a newborn infant. It is hoped the muskrat will sing to it, which it often does.

(4) The muskrat is the only creature, other than man, known to use aposiopesis in communication.

(5) In warm weather, the muskrat is known to wet it’s head repeatedly, or don a crude hat made of leaves. Contrary to popular belief, not all muskrat hats are the same size.

(6) The muskrat has beautiful brown eyes.

(7) If it could, the muskrat would lie around all day and do nothing.

(8) The dreams of the ring tailed muskrat are often disturbing.

(9) Muskrats adore the smell of coffee, but should not be given any.

(10) The muskrat is the only creature, other than man and higher primates, to have in-laws.

(11) The muskrat is fond of the sound of the banjo, but otherwise unmoved by Americana.

(12) The Muskrat is friends with the otter, They often play together in the water.

(13) The otter is also friends with the beaver. This puts the otter in a somewhat awkward position.



NUMBER 44, WEEK 32, WORD COUNT TO DATE: 36,625
NEXT BY 1 FEBRUARY 2006