OTTER 



ncuncement for any person steeped in a love for one of 

 the feathered jewels of earth, but a plain statement of 

 fact notwithstanding. 



The deep, glossy, brown coat of the Otter, with 

 whitish beneath, the long furry tail, partly webbed toes, 

 prominent mittens, wide muzzle, large, bright eyes, 

 and small ears are features of interest ; but it is astonish- 

 ing to notice the ignorance that still prevails among the 

 general public as to the exact identity of an unfamiliar 

 animal. The large dog Otter above mentioned was, in 

 spite of its printed label, a source of grave misconception 

 on the part of many visitors to the Museum of which we 

 are in charge, and when, as so often happens, incorrect 

 information is handed on to growing children, the pity 

 of this folly is all the greater. As things are at present, 

 the rising generation are putting their elders to shame in 

 the display of Natural History knowledge. This augurs 

 well for the future, if the young folk will only apply 

 their knowledge in a proper channel, for, after all, as we 

 grown-ups discovered long since, a little knowledge 

 may be a dangerous thing, but is, nevertheless, a source 

 of both inspiration and delight. 



The Otter measures about forty inches, including the 



long, thick tail. Its lair is known as a " holt," and when 



hunted by dogs, a " find " is usually anticipated when a 



" holt " is near at hand. In addition to streams and 



rivers, it frequents the seashore, where it resorts to rocks, 



caves and other places of refuge. The young number 



from three to five, and are born in early Spring. 



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