134 THE OTTER. ' . 



banks of the stream, and leaves them whilst it goes in 

 search of fresh prey ; but in winter, when the lakes 

 are frozen over, the otter is compelled to resort to grass 

 and weeds ; and though naturally timid, from hunger 

 grows courageous, and will sometimes venture even to 

 attack a sheep. 



This singular animal is capable of being made do- 

 mestic, and contributing to the advantages and com* 

 forts of mankind ; for, when properly taught, they 

 will dive into the wateiy element, and, instead of de- 

 vouring, merely bring out the fish, and attend to the 

 instructions of its master with the docility similar to 

 the spaniel race. The otter* is to be met with in 

 most parts of the world : in North America they are 

 usually found to be whifce ; but in Brazil they are infi- 

 nitely larger than ours, and the colour of their hair 

 between a brown and black. 



THE BEAVER. 



If we examine the beaver merely as an individual, 

 and unconnected with others of its kind, we shall find 

 many other quadrupeds that exceed it in cunning, and 

 almost all in the powers of annoyance and defence. 

 The beaver, when separated from its companions, and 

 kept in a solitary state of confinement, appears to be 

 a mild gentle animal, devoid of passion, but inca- 

 pable of attachment, and naturally of a morbid melan- 

 choly cast. 



Though solitude and confinement have such an ef- 

 fect upon this animal, society produces a most asto- 

 nishing change ; for, in its natural state, we behold it 



* The otter goes about nine weeks with young, and brings forth in 

 Autumn three or four at a time. 



