78 SEA-OTTER. GLUTTON. 



it with the power of continuing a considerable time with- 

 out food, in a kind of half-torpid state. 



Otters are frequently hunted with dogs for amusement ; 

 and various other arts are used to destroy them on account 

 of their skins, and of the depredations which they commit 

 on the aquatic tribes. They are also sometimes tamed, 

 and taught to catch fish for their masters; an art in which 

 nature has made them very expert. They are found in 

 all parts of Europe, and also in the cold latitudes of Asia 

 and America. 



There is a species about one-third as large as the com- 

 mon otter, a native of Poland, and other northern coun- 

 tries of Europe ; the fur of which is highly esteemed, only 

 yielding in beauty to the sable. 



THE SEA-OTTER. 



This species is very numerous on the coasts of Kamt- 

 schatka, on the opposite shores of America, and among 

 the intervening islands. Its fur is so highly valued, that 

 it has become a most lucrative branch of commerce, since 

 the period of Captain Cook's last voyage. The flesh of 

 the young is reckoned very delicate food; and equal, if 

 not superior, to lamb. 



The sea-otter is about four feet long from the nose to 

 the insertion of the tail, which last is only about two 

 inches in length. The hind-feet resemble those of a seal ; 

 and the teeth are broad, and adapted to breaking crus- 

 taceous animals and shell-fish. The hair is thick, long, 

 black, and glossy : under it is a soft down. 



THE GLUTTON. 



Linnaeus ranks this animal among the weasels, from 

 the length of its body, the shortness of its legs, the soft- 

 ness of its fur, and its insatiable appetite ; from which last 

 quality it has received its name. The legs are extremely 

 short in proportion to its size. The fur, which is held in 

 the highest estimation, on account of its softness and beau- 

 tiful gloss, is black along the back, and of a reddish brown 



