Badgers and Otters. 41 



northern streams, as also among the rocks and 

 boulders of the coast-line. Human invasion 

 drives them from their haunts, although, where 

 waters remain unpolluted, they not unfrequently 

 pass up the rivers by towns and villages during 

 the still night. On the margins of the more 

 secluded tarns of the fells, otters, too, are yet 

 found. Fitted for an aquatic existence, the 

 structure of the otter beautifully exhibits the 

 provisions suitable to its mode of life. On land 

 it can travel swiftly, though the water is its best 

 element. Immersed in this, its coat appears 

 smooth and glossy. In pursuing its prey it 

 performs the most graceful movements, doubling 

 and diving so rapidly that it is difficult to follow 

 its evolutions. When fishing, its object is to get 

 beneath the object pursued, as, from the con- 

 struction of its eyes, which are placed high in the 

 head, it is better enabled to secure its prey. 

 This it seldom fails to do, its whole structure, as 

 already remarked, greatly facilitating its move- 

 ments in the water. Its uniform dusky brown coat 

 has, like all aquatic creatures, a soft under-fur 

 with long hair above. 



The otter generally takes possession of a 

 natural cavity, a drain, or a hole made by the 

 inundation of the stream. The entrance is 

 usually under water, and inclines towards the 

 bank. Situations where the latter is overhung 



