f THE BOOK OF THE OTTER 



more sport than when constantly shifting their 

 positions. After he has been hunted for some 

 time, the otter will begin to show himself, and it is 

 then perfectly legitimate for the watcher to tally-ho 

 if he sees the otter. Unless, however, he is sure 

 that it is the otter, he had best keep silent. A 

 salmon in rapid water, or a moorhen crossing a 

 pool, has often deceived a watcher on the bank, 

 therefore make sure before tallying. Also, never 

 tally because someone else says he has seen the 

 otter, see it yourself first. It may be necessary 

 to send some of the field to form a " stickle " across 

 the shallows, above or below the scene of action. 

 These people must keep a sharp look out, watching 

 the water carefully. If they do their work 

 properly, the otter should not get past them 

 without being seen. If the hunt gradually works 

 up-stream, the people on the lower stickle should 

 not be forgotten. Some signal, say a few notes 

 on the whistle, should be given in order to let them 

 know that they are at liberty to leave their posts. 



In rapid, or deep water, an otter will often pass 

 100 



