438 COMMON OTTER. 



principally on fish. It occurs also in the north- 

 ern parts of Aril erica, and particularly in Canada, 

 where it appears to arrive at a larger size than 

 in Europe. In the river Euphrates, on the con- 

 trary, it is said to be found no larger than a com- 

 mon Cat; but it is probable, that this is in reality 

 a different species, viz. the L. Lutreola, or smaller 

 Otter, hereafter to be described. The usual 

 length of the Otter is near two feet from nose to 

 tail, and of the tail about sixteen inches. Its co- 

 lour is a deep brown, with a small light-coloured 

 patch on each side the nose, and another under 

 the chin : the throat and breast are ash-coloured : 

 the head is flat and broad : the mouth small ; the 

 teeth strong; the lips very thick and muscular; 

 the ears short and rounded; and the eyes small, 

 and situated near the nose : the neck is very 

 thick ; the legs short and thick, loosely joined to 

 the body, and so placed as to be capable of being 

 brought on a line with the body, and of perform- 

 ing the ofiice of fins; the toes, which are five in 

 number on all the feet, are connected by broad and 

 strong webs, and the whole foot is naked or with- 

 out hair. <f The Otter (says Mr. Pennant) shews 

 great sagacity in forming its habitation : it bur- 

 rows under ground in the banks of some river or 

 lake; and always makes the entrance of its hole 

 under water; working upwards to the surface of 

 the earth, and, before it reaches the top, makes 

 several holts or lodges, that in case of high floods 

 it may have a retreat; for no animal affects lying 

 drier ; and then makes a minute orifice for the 



