NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Description. 



CHAP. VI. 



" The well-taught otter at th* accustomed sign, 

 Dives through the glassy surface of the stream, 

 Seizes his prey, and to his master brings 

 The struggling captive." 



THE OTTER. 



THIS animal, though not wholly amphibious, 

 is capable of remaining a considerable time under 

 water, and can pursue its prey in that element 

 with the utmost facility. It is a native of almost 

 every country in Europe, and is still to be met 

 with in some parts of England. The legs are 

 short, but remarkably strong and muscular. The 

 head is broad, oval, and flat on the upper part; 

 the body is long and round ; and the tail tapers 

 gradually to a point. The legs are so placed as 

 to be capable of being brought into a line \vith 

 the body, and of performing the office of fins : 

 and the toes are connected by webs. The ears 

 are short; and the eyes are situated in such a 



