

^CE& 



O'lTK l{ . — L'llrti ri'hjd'ris. 



Although ])v no lucaiis a lai-fjc aiiimnl, llu- (Jniii lias attained a luiiversal 

 reputation as a tenihlc and jjci-sevcring foe to fish. Being possessed of a very 

 discriminating palate, and invariably choosing the finest fish that can be found 

 in the locality, the Otter is th(^ object of the ])n)fonndest hate to the proprietors 

 of streams and all human lishermen. It is so dainty an animal that it will 

 frequently kill several fish, devouring only those portions which best please its 

 palate, and leaving the remainder on the banks to become the prey of rats, birds, 

 or other fish-loving creatures. 



When the Otter is engaged in eating the fish which it has captured, it holds 

 the slippery prey between its fore-paws, and, ])eginning with the back of the 

 neck, eats aAvay the flesh from the neck towards the tail, rejecting the head, tail, 

 and other portions. In well-stocked rivers, the Otter is so extremely fastidious 

 that it will catch and kill four or five good fish in a single day, and eat nothing 

 but the fine flaky meat which is found on the shoulders. The neighbouring rustics 

 take advantage of this propensity, and make many a meal upoii the fish which 

 have been discarded by the Otter. Sometimes, as in the diy or the very cold 

 seasons, the Otter is forced to lay aside its fastidious notions, and is glad to 

 appease its hunger with any kind of animal food. 



