49^ APPENDIX. 



The Canada Otter. Lutra Canadensis. (Sabine.) 



F. B. A. l.p. 57. 



The habits of the otter are the same in the New World 

 as in the Old; but there being a difference in the pro- 

 portional length of their tails, and in some other respects, 

 they are considered as distinct species. The fur of the 

 Canada otter, which is much more valuable than that of 

 its European representative, resembles that of the beaver, 

 and is applied to the same purposes. A single skin is 

 worth from one to two guineas. The otter is found up 

 to the 66th or 67th parallel of latitude. 



The Wolf. Lupus occidentalis. (Rich.) F. B. A. 1. 



p. 60. 



Wolves inhabit the whole country north of Canada, 

 being, as is natural, most numerous in the districts 

 which nourish the largest herds of the ruminating 

 animals on which they prey. The countenance and 

 general appearance of the American wolf differs greatly 

 from those of its European representative, and its fur is 

 very dissimilar ; but it is a difficult question to determine 

 whether it be a distinct species, or merely a variety pro- 

 duced by climate and other local causes. The Indian 

 dog differs also in the thickness of its furry coat, as well 

 as in its aspect, from the shepherd's dog, which is the 

 analogous European race. Indeed, the wolves and the 

 domestic dogs of the fur countries are so like each other, 

 that it is not easy to distinguish them at a small distance ; 

 the want of strength and courage of the former being 

 the principal difference. The offspring of the wolf and 

 Indian dog are prolific, and are prized by the voyagers 



