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181 



relinquish its grasp. The Canadians do not attempt to tame 

 the otter ; but the persevering Chinese not only contrive to 

 domesticate the species found in their country, but teach them 

 to capture fish for their benefit. 



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Rambling amid the woods, even in the neighbourhood of 



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settlements, we may occasionally come upon a curious little 

 animal, with a party-coloured coat and bushy tail, and an 

 amiable and gentle appearance. The creature appears to be in 

 no way timid, and will very likely await our approach. As 

 we draw near it, however, it is apt to turn round and erect 

 its bushy tail perpendicularly. Let us beware of what we are 

 about, for, in a moment, the creature may send over us a 



