174 THE OTTER. 



the latter in its ability to swim, as well as in its habits, and mode 

 of subsistence. The usual length of the otter is about two feet 

 from the tip of the nose to the insertion of the tail : the head and 

 nose are broad and flat : the mouth is formed like that of a fish : 

 the neck is thick and short, the eyes are small : the tail is long, 

 broad near the body, and gradually tapering to the point : the 

 legs are short, but the joints are extremely pliant. The fur of 

 this animal is of a deep brown, with two small spots on each 

 side of the nose, and another under the chin. 



The otter destroys great quantities of fish, of which it is re- 

 markably fond, and which, indeed, constitutes its principal food. 

 In pursuing its prey, it commonly swims against the current. 



Otters are often taken in traps ; and the hunting of them is 

 with some a favourite diversion ; the old otter will, in this case, 

 defend itself against the dogs to the last extremity. They bite 

 keenly, and it is not easy to make them quit their hold. An old 

 otter will never leave its hold but with the loss of life, nor ever 

 make any complaint for the severest wounds. 



When J;aken young, these animals may be easily tamed, and 

 many instances of the fact have been witnessed. Being accus- 

 tomed in youth to obedience and restraint, they become perfectly 

 domesticated, follow their masters, and employ for his service 

 their talents in fishing. 



A person who lived near Inverness, procured a young otter, 

 which he brought up tame: it would follow him any where, and 

 when called by its name was always obedient. When apprehen- 

 sive of danger from dogs, it always sought his protection, and 

 would fly into his arms for safety. It was frequently employed 

 in fishing, and sometimes caught seven or eight salmon in a day. 

 When tired, it always refused to fish any longer, and then was 

 rewarded with as much fish as it could eat. When its hunger 

 was satisfied, it always curled itself up quite round, and fell 

 asleep, in which state it was generally carried home. This ani- 

 mal fished in the sea as well as in a river, and often took great 

 numbers of codlings, and other fish. Its food was generally 

 fresh fish ; it was also very fond of milk. It is indeed remarkable, 

 that notwithstanding the otter's avidity for fish, it will not eat it 

 unless it be quite fresh. When it cannot be had in that state, 

 these animals, if kept tame, must be fed with milk, pudding, &c. 



We are told, by Mr. Bewick, of another person who kept a 

 tame otter, which used to follow him with his dogs. It was very 

 useful to him in fishing, by going into the water, and driving trout, 

 and other fish, towards the net. It is worthy of remark, that the 

 dogs, although accustomed to the sport of otter-hunting, were so 

 far from offering it the least molestation, that they would not 

 even hurt an otter when it was in their company ; a striking 



