HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 495 



The Sea-Otter is remarkably harmless, and most 

 affectionately fond of its young: it will pine to death 

 for its loss, and die on the very spot where it has 

 been taken away. Before its young can swim, it 

 will carry it in its paws, and support it in the water, 

 lying upon its back. It swims in various positions, 

 on its back, sides, and even in a perpendicular 

 posture ; and in the water is very sportive. Two 

 of them are sometimes seen embracing each other. 

 It frequents shallow places, abounding with sea- 

 weed ; and feeds on Lobsters, Crabs, and other 

 shell-fish. 



It breeds but once a year, and produces one 

 young at a time, which it suckles and carefully 

 attends almost a year. 



The flesh of a young Otter is reckoned delicate 

 eating, and not easily distinguished from that of 

 a Lamb. 



