BEARS 61 



out tlie rabbit with its nails, or making it bolt from 

 the hole for the men to catch. 



In order to keep ferrets in health and fit for their 

 work they should be fed on meat and their cages 

 kept scrupulously clean. They will eat bread and 

 milk, but bread is not their natural food. They need 

 plenty of water, both polecats and ferrets being 

 excellent swimmers and expert fishermen. The ferret 

 cage should have a sleeping place and a good run, 

 the floor of which should be made of wire with a 

 movable tray beneath. The tray should be taken 

 out daily and thoroughly cleaned and covered with 

 fresh sand. 



Otter. 



The otter, being especially adapted for an aquatic 

 life, differs considerably in outward form from the 

 badger. Though its construction is on the same 

 plan as that of the badger, it is very seal-like both 

 in appearance and habits. Like the badger the 

 hinges of the jaw interlock ; it has somewhat similar 

 teeth, and the usual gland of the Mustelid family at 

 the root of the tail, which secretes an evil-smelling 

 fluid. 



The long outer hairs are deep brown on the back 

 and sides and greyer underneath. The under fur, 

 which is very w^oolly and thick, is yellowish-white at 

 the base and grey at the ends. 



The legs are short, indeed so short that in running 

 through the snow the footmarks are entirely swept 

 out by the fur under the body. 



