HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 491 



The fur of the Otter is of a deep brown colour, 

 with two small light spots on each side of the nose, 

 and another under the chin. 



This animal makes its bed in some retired spot 

 by the side of a lake or river, under a bank, where 

 it has an easy and secure access to the water, to 

 which it immediately flies upon the least alarm; 

 and as it swims with great rapidity, frequently 

 escapes from its pursuers. 



It destroys great numbers of fish; and in pursuit 

 of its prey, has been observed commonly to swim 

 against the stream. 



As soon as the Otter has caught a fish, it imme- 

 diately drags it to the shore ; devours a part, as far 

 as the vent; and unless pressed by extreme hunger, 

 always leaves the remainder, and takes to the 

 water in quest of more. 



Otters are sometimes taken in traps placed near 

 their landing places, where they are carefully con- 

 cealed in the sand. When hunted with Dogs, the 

 old ones defend themselves with great obstinacy: 

 they bite severely, and do not readily quit their 

 hold where they have once fastened. An old Otter 

 will never give up while it has life; nor make the 

 least complaint, though wounded ever so much by 

 the Dogs, nor even when transfixed with a spear. 



There are many instances of Otters being tamed; 

 but in those which have come to our knowledge, 

 they were taken when young: accustomed by de- 

 grees to obedience and restraint, they became so 

 far domesticated, as to follow their master, answer 

 to a name, and employ their excellent talents at 

 fishing in his service. Indeed, when taken yourg, 

 Otters may be easily reared and made tame. We 

 have seen two young ones sucking a Bitch, and 



