492 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



treated by her with as much tenderness as her own 

 offspring". 



William Collins, of Kimmerston, near Wooler, 

 had a tame Otter, which followed him wherever he 

 went. He frequently carried it to fish in the river; 

 and when satiated, it never failed returning to its 

 master. One day, in the absence of Collins, being 

 taken out by his son to fish, instead of returning as 

 usual, it refused to come at the accustomed call, 

 and was lost. The father tried every means to 

 recover it; and after several days search, being 

 near the place where his son had lost it, and call- 

 ing it by its name, to his inexpressible joy, it came 

 creeping to his feet, and showed many genuine 

 marks of affection and firm attachment. Its food, 

 exclusive of fish, consisted chiefly of milk and 

 hasty-pudding. 



Some years ago, James Campbell, near Inver- 

 'ness, had a young Otter, which he brought up and 

 tamed. It would follow him wherever he chose; 

 and if called on by its name, would immediately 

 obey. When apprehensive of danger from Dogs, 

 it sought the protection of its master, and would 

 endeavour to fly into his arms for greater security. 

 It was frequently employed in catching fish, and 

 would sometimes take eight or ten salmon in a day. 

 If not prevented, it always made an attempt to 

 break the fish behind the fin next the tail : as soon 

 as one was taken away, it immediately dived in 

 pursuit of more. When tired, it would refuse to 

 fish any longer; and was then rewarded with as 

 much fish as it could devour. Being satisfied with 

 eating, it curled itself round, and fell asleep; in 

 which state it was generally carried home. The 

 same Otter fished as well in the sea as in a river, 



