SEA-OTTER. 53 



out of the reach of the water, even in the highest floods. 

 Here the animals produce their young ones, usually 

 four or five in number, in the month of March. In 

 those parts of the country where Otters are numerous, 

 they are frequently pursued by sportsmen, as an object 

 of chase ; and with dogs trained for the purpose. In 

 the severe weather of winter, when the rivers are frozen, 

 and fish is not easily to be procured, the Otter will kill 

 lambs or poultry ; and sometimes will enter rabbit-war 

 rens, for the purpose of preying upon those animals. 

 Otters are frequently brought up tame ; and in this 

 state, have been trained to catch fish, and bring them out 

 of the rivers or ponds to their master. Their skins are of 

 considerable value as furs. These animals are found not 

 only in England, and nearly all other parts of Europe, 

 but also in North America ; and in Asia, as far south as 

 Persia. 



They are generally somewhat more than two feet in 

 length ; and the tail, which is thick towards the base, is 

 about sixteen inches long. The head is short and oval, 

 the muzzle short, and the neck thick. The ears are 

 rounded and very small. The legs also are short, but 

 peculiarly strong ; and so loosely jointed that the animal 

 is able to turn them quite backward. The colour of 

 the Otter is a deep brown, except a small white spot 

 on each side of the nose, and another under the chin. 



Sea Otter. On the sea-coasts of the north-western 

 parts of America, and of eastern Asia, these animals are 

 found in great numbers. In their general manners they 

 are perfectly harmless and inoffensive; and their attach- 

 ment to their young ones is so remarkable, that, it is 

 said, they will even starve themselves to death, if robbed 



