68 



Quadrupeds. 



drains. The male utters no noise when taken, but the 

 females sometimes emit a shrill squeak. 



Otters are generally caught in traps placed near their 

 landing-places, and carefully concealed in the sand. 

 When hunted by dogs, the old ones defend themselves 

 with great obstinacy. They bite severely, and do not 

 readily quit their hold. Otter-hunting is a favourite 

 sport in many parts of Great Britain-, particularly in 

 the midland counties of England, and in Wales. 



THE SEA OTTEE. (Lutra or Enhdymlutris.} 



THE common Otter sometimes takes to the sea ; but, on 

 the eastern coasts of Northern Asia and the opposite 

 shores of North America, true Sea Otters are met with, 

 chiefly about the numerous rocky islands which fringe 

 those coasts. The Sea Otter in its habits resembles the 

 seals more than the common species ; it is about three 

 feet long without the tail, and is covered with a thick, 

 rich, dark brown, or nearly black fur, which is so highly 

 prized that single fine skins have been known to sell for 

 a sum equivalent to twenty pounds, and the animals 

 have, in consequence, been pursued with sack avidity, 

 that their numbers are greatly reduced. 



