FEBRUARY. 43 



throwing his hind legs forward, would slide on his haunches 

 for about two feet ; then he would again run a few yards, 

 rear up, and slide as before. Notwithstanding the apparent 

 awkwardness of this manner of progression, he managed to 

 make way faster than his pursuer, who, observing this, and 

 perceiving whither he was tending, endeavoured to cut off 

 his retreat, by heading him in his course ; but before he had 

 reached him, the otter had gained his hole, and had disap- 

 peared within the pond. 



C. Is the otter of any value ? 



F. In some countries they are so far tamed as to be 

 used in catching fish ; but with us they are procured wholly 

 for the sake of their fur, which is much prized. The hair 

 is very smooth and shining, somewhat bristly, of a brownish 

 black; but there is a sort of thick, soft down, which lies 

 next the skin, and is not seen ; it is of a greyish colour. 

 In taking off the pelt, the skin is not cut open at the belly, 

 but at the head, and is drawn off the body inverted, as 

 we pull off a stocking. A long board is then thrust into 

 the pelt, so as to make it quite flat, the fur being inwards ; 

 this board is drawn out when the skin is dry. Otter fur 

 is examined by thrusting the arm up the inside of the pelt ; 

 if, on withdrawing it, hairs stick to the sleeve of the coat, 

 the skin is not merchantable ; but if it is quite clean, the 

 fur is in prime condition. The price of an otter skin in 

 Newfoundland is usually about the same as that of a 

 beaver. 



C. The Beaver is, I believe, a Canadian animal. Can 

 you give me any information respecting it ? 



F. None but what I have gained from books, to which 

 you also have access. Though abundant in some parts of 

 Canada, I do not know that they are found within many 

 miles of this place. I have seen their houses in Newfound- 

 land; but have never had an opportunity of opening one. 



