i 7 4 FLESH-EATERS OF THE LAND 



bottom. The fur of the animal consists of a short, close 

 waterproof vest of a light grey colour, and a long, silky, 

 shining upper coat of a rich brown tint. 



Fierce, wild, and shy, the Otter is chiefly nocturnal in 

 habit ; its retreat is generally a burrow by the water's edge, 

 extending to some distance under the bank, and concealed 

 by overhanging brushwood, tangled briers, and herbage, or 

 by the roots of an old tree. 



Otter-hunting is still a favourite so-called sport in several 

 districts. The moment the animal is discovered it betakes 

 itself to the water, where it is more than a match for the 

 strongest dog. Wearied out by its exertions to escape its 

 foes, assailed on every side, covered with wounds, and 

 prodded with poles as it rises to breathe, still the Otter's 



SKULL OF THE OTTER. 

 (Two-thirds natural size.) 



determined courage holds out to the last, and it dies without 

 uttering a cry. It requires no little skill on the part of the 

 hunters to effect the capture, for the Otter knows every hole, 

 drain, or other place of refuge within several miles, and 

 never sleeps twice in the same place. One animal, which 

 had long baffled the hounds and hunters, actually made its 

 hiding-place inside the wheel of a water-mill. 



An Otter-worry from first to last is a particularly odious 

 and cruel business that causes a lover of animals to be 

 ashamed of his kind. In a fox-hunt the quarry is afforded 

 an opportunity to escape from its foes the pack is in the 

 rear and an open countryside lies in front, wherein the fox 

 can exercise its feet and its cunning to outwit its pursuers. 

 The chase of the poor Otter resolves itself into cowardly 

 persecution, pure and simple. Before the wretched hunt 



