18 THE PESTS OF THE FARM. 



fectly dry ; were it t. become otherwise, it would be quickly aban 

 doned. The entrance, indeed, is invariably under water, but its 

 course then points upwards into the bank, towards the surface of 

 the earth, arid it is even provided with several lodges or apart- 

 ments at different heights, into which it may retire in case of 

 floods, throwing up the earth behind it as it proceeds into the re- 

 cesses of its retreat ; and when it has reached the last and most 

 secure chamber, it opens a small hole in the roof for the admission 

 of atmospheric air, without which the animal could not of course 

 exist many minutes ; and should the flood rise so high as to burst 

 into this last place of refuge, the animal will open a passage through 

 the roof, and venture forth upon land, rather than remain in a 

 damp and muddy bed. During severe floods, otters are not un- 

 frequently surprised at some distance from the water, and taken. 



In a, wild state, the otter is fierce and daring will make a de- 

 termined resistance when attacked by dogs and befhg endued 

 with no inconsiderable strength of jaw, it often punishes its assail- 

 ants terribly. I have myself seen it break the fore-leg of a stout 

 terrier. 



The otter is easily rendered tame, especially if taken young, and 

 may be taught to follow its master like a dog, and even to fish for 

 him, cheerfully resigning its prey when taken, and dashing into 

 the water in search of more. 



The common otter is only to be regarded as a pest when fish 

 ponds or rivers are concerned. His habits are interesting, and of 

 gentle and inoffensive description, and his race is not so numeroc. 

 as to require or deserve extirpation. 



THE AMERICAN PORCUPINE. The American Porcupine exhibit* 

 none of the long and large quills which are so conspicuous and formi- 

 dable in the European species, and the short spines or prickles 

 which are thickly set over all the superior parts of its body are 

 covered by a long coarse hair, which almost entirely conceals them. 

 These spines are not more than two inches and a half in length, 

 yet form a very efficient protection to our animal against every 

 other enemy but man. Too slow in its movements to escape by 

 flight, on the approach of danger the porcupine places his head 

 between his legs, and folds his body into a globular mass, erecting 

 his pointed and barbed spines. The cunning caution of the fox, 

 the furious violence of the wolf, and the persevering attacks of the 

 domestic dog, are alike fruitless. At every attempt to bite the 

 porcupine, the nose and mouth of the aggressor are severely wound- 



