139 



One feature, noticed in skins of this species taken in Maine and 

 New Hampshire, which I have never seen mentioned, is the presence 

 of white hairs which are more or less numerous in the dark colors of 

 the back. This species appears inclined to albinism, but the appear- 

 ance of the white hairs is not the result of this disease, for in every 

 instance that I have seen of an approach to albinism the fur turns 

 white first and the hair afterwards. 



6. Lutra Canadensis SABINE. 



Otter. 



Very abundant throughout the greater part of the state. I found 

 them as numerous on Indian River as in the interior, but did not meet 

 with them at Miami, in the Everglades or among the Keys. The fur 

 is of little value in comparison with northern skins ; the best winter 

 pelts being worth but five dollars each in Boston. The usual price 

 paid in Jacksonville is from seventy-five cents to one dollar, conse- 

 quently they are not hunted much and therefore are not shy. They are 

 quite inquisitive and will sometimes follow a boat for some distance, 

 or approach any one standing upon the shore. At the same time they 

 will utter a short, continuous grunt. Otters may frequently be seen 

 chasing each other sportively through the water, and while we were 

 in the vicinity of South Lake, my guide, Mr. Burton, called my atten- 

 tion to certain smooth paths in a sandy spot, which he said were otter 

 slides. They appear to amuse themselves by dragging their bodies 

 over the smooth sand, just as the same species glide down snow- 

 covered river-banks at the north. The slides in Florida were situated 

 at some distance from the water. 



The color of adult otters from this state is strongly inclined to 

 reddish-brown, but the young which are dropped in February are very 

 dark. I think I never saw a more beautiful animal than a young 

 specimen of this species which was captured at the head of Indian 

 River by Mr. Thurston. It was only about two weeks old, yet was 

 covered with a fine coat of exceedingly glossy fur. 



7. Mephitis mephitica BAIRD. 



Common Skunk. 



This species seems to be restricted to the more northern portions 

 of the state. Specimens taken in this region present the same varia- 

 tion regarding the distribution of the black and white which is no- 

 ticeable in this animal elsewhere. Although the amount of the above 

 named colors is changeable, it is unusual to see the skunk of a dif- 

 ferent hue; yet Mr. F. A. Ober of Beverly has a specimen which was 

 taken in that place, that is marked in a very singular manner, inas- 



