4QO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



THE OTTER. 

 (Mustela Lutra, Linn. Le Loutre, Buff.) 



ALTHOUGH the Otter is- not considered by natural- 

 ists as wholly amphibious, it is nevertheless capable 

 of remaining a considerable time under water, and 

 can pursue and take its prey in that element with 

 great facility. 



Its legs are very short, but remarkably strong, 

 broad, and muscular; on each foot are five toes, 

 connected by strong membranes, like those of 

 water fowl; its head is broad, of an oval form, and 

 flat on the upper part; the body is long and round, 

 and the tail tapers to a point; the eyes are bril- 

 liant, and placed in such a manner that the animal 

 can see every object that is above it, Vhich gives it 

 a singular aspect, very much resembling an Eel or 

 an Asp ; the ears are short, and their orifice narrow. 



