THE BOOK OF THE OTTER 



to what they say about it, and pay no attention to 



the utterances of a sceptical field, many of whom 



know little or nothing about the science of hunting. 



The line hounds are running may perhaps seem 



a very unusual one, even to you, but if Rouser, 



Thunder, Marksman, and a few more of your 



trusted favourites are voicing the fact that an otter 



is in front of them, then you can bet your life it 



is so, and your job is to keep in touch with them 



if possible. Always remember that an otter may 



be found anywhere, and may do anything once he 



is afoot or afloat. The only certain thing about 



him is his variability. You will learn something 



new about him every day you go out with hounds, 



and if you store up the information thus obtained, 



it will come in mighty useful on many a future 



occasion. 



The Master who hunts his own hounds 



should study the habits of otters in winter as well 



as in summer. After a prolonged snow-fall a visit 



to one or other of his rivers, lakes, etc., will afford a 



variety of useful information regarding the where- 



94 



