THE OTTER PLAYS ON 65 



and to offer all the events that lie in the realm 

 of the unexplored. Between near-by streams 

 and lakes there are regular and well-worn ways. 

 By easy grades these follow mostly open 

 ways across rough country. It is likely that 

 even the long, seldom-used, and unmarked ways 

 across miles of watersheds are otter trails that 

 have been used for ages. 



Fortunate folks, these otters, to have so much 

 time, and such wild, romantic regions for travel 

 and exploration ! After each exciting time that 

 I have watched them I have searched for hours 

 and days trying to see another outfit of otter 

 explorers. But only a few brief glimpses have 

 I had of these wild, picturesque, adventurous 

 bands. 



In all kinds of places, in action for fun or 

 food, frolic or fight, the otter ever gives a good 

 account of himself. He appears to fear only 

 man. Though he may be attacked by larger 

 animals this matter is not heavily on his mind, 

 for when he wants to travel he travels; and he 

 does this, too, both in water and on land, and 

 by either day or night. To a remarkable de- 

 gree he can take care of himself. Though I have 

 not seen him do so, I can readily believe the 

 stories that accredit this twenty-pound weasel- 

 like fellow with killing young bears and deer, 

 and drowning wolves and dogs. 



