OTTER. 137 



Sutherland, is still far from rare in Caithness, while it is 

 abundant in Argyllshire and the Isles. Some idea of its 

 former numbers may be gathered from the fact that between 

 the years 1831 and 1834 rewards were paid for upwards of 

 263 Otters killed on the estates of the Duke of Sutherland 

 alone. In Ireland, forty years ago, Thompson wrote that the 

 Otter still survived in suitable localities throughout the country 

 and along the coast, in spite of persecution. 



Habits. — Feeding almost exclusively on fish, which it pursues 

 not only in rivers and lakes, but also in the open sea, the 

 Otter, writes Macgillivray, in the north of Scotland and the 

 adjacent islands, " resides among the blocks, or in the caverns 

 along the coasts, and subsists on marine fishes, seldom appear-, 

 ing in the streams or lakes except in winter, during very stormy 

 weather. In the south of Scotland, and in many parts of 

 England, it inhabits the fresh waters. On shore it runs with 

 considerable speed, but does not bound like the Weasels, and, 

 in fact, is rather plantigrade than digitigrade. In the water it 

 exhibits an astonishing agility, swimming in a nearly horizontal 

 position with the greatest ease, diving and darting along 

 beneath the surface with a speed equal, if not superior, to that 

 of many fishes. It is capable of remaining immersed for a con- 

 siderable time, but on seizing a fish it cannot devour it in the 

 water, but must bring it to shore for that purpose, not always, 

 however, carrying it to its ordinary retreat, but generally to the 

 nearest point that seems to afford temporary security. While 

 eating, it holds its prey down with its fore-feet, or, if small, 

 secures it between them, and commencing at the shoulders, 

 devours the fish downwards, leaving the head and tail. While 

 thus occupied it is sometimes visited by Gulls and Hooded 

 Crows, which, however, do not venture to attack it, but wait 

 until it has finished its meal, contenting themselves with the 

 j^mnants. Jt is alleged that it destroys great quantities of 



