349 LETTER XXXIX. 



The otter destroys great quantities of fish, of 

 which it is remarkably fond, and which indeed con- 

 stitutes its principal food. In pursuing its prey it 

 commonly swims against the current. 



Otters afe often taken in traps; and the hunting of 

 them is with some a favorite 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 taken young, these animals may be easily 

 tamed, and many instances of the fact have been wit- 

 nessed. Being accustomed in youth to obedience and 

 restraint, they become perfectly domesticated, follow 

 their masters, and employ for his service, their ta- 

 lents 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 apprehensive of dan- 

 ger 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 sa- 

 tisfied, it always curled itself up quite round, and 

 fell asleep, in which state it was generally carried 

 home. This animal 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. 



The small otter of Poland, and the north of Eu- 

 rope, is much less than the common kind. Its colour 

 is a dusky brown ; its fur, however, is very valuable, 

 being in beauty esteemed next to that of the sable. 



