300 CARNIVORA. 



body and the limbs. In total length it measures about two feet, the tail 

 being rather more than six inches in length ; the neck is very long and 

 snake-like. All its movements are brisk and cheerful. 



The odor which proceeds from the scent-glands of the Grison is 

 peculiarly disgusting, and offends human nostrils even more than that of 

 the stoat and polecat. 



The Tayra, Galictis barbara, is of a uniform black color, with the 

 exception of a large white patch on the throat and chest. It is often 

 called the Great Weasel, and is nearly the size of the Common Marten. 



THE OTTERS. 



The next sub-family, the Lutrince, is divided by some authorities into 

 ten genera, by others only into tJircc. All are characterized by a long 

 body, small prominent eyes, short round ears, and webbed feet, and all 

 inhabit rivers and lakes, or seas. They are all excellent swimmers, and 

 can remain a long time under water. 



GENUS LUTRA. 



The Common Otter, Lutra vulgaris, is found in all parts of Europe 

 and Northern Asia. In India and China it is represented by allied genera. 



This aquatic weasel is a terrible foe to fish, being quite as destructive 

 in the water as any polecat or stoat is on the land. 



For the pursuit of its finny prey the Otter is admirably adapted by 

 nature. The body is lithe and serpentine ; the feet are furnished with a 

 broad web that connects the toes and is of infinite service in propelling 

 the animal through the water ; the tail is long, broad, and flat, proving a 

 powerful and effectual rudder by which its movements are directed ; and 

 the short, powerful legs are so loosely jointed that the animal can turn 

 them in almost any direction. The hair which covers the body and 

 limbs is of two kinds, the one a close, fine, and soft fur, which lies next 

 the skin and serves to protect the animal from the extremes of heat and 

 cold, and the other composed of long, shining, and coarser hairs, which 

 permit the animal to glide easily through the water. The teeth are 

 sharp and strong, and are admirably adapted for preventing the slippery 

 prey from escaping. 



The color of the Otter varies slightly according to the light in which 



