370 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



Many objections have beeu raised by the incredulous as to the practicability of 

 raising the otter for a pecuniary benefit, but each objection in its turn has been met. 

 Neither the excessive rains nor the long droughts, the hot summer suns nor the frosts 

 of winter, will affect the industry; neither would the products have to be rushed to 

 market. The pelts, after casing, are non-perishable; the demand for the fur is greater 

 than the supply, and a maximum price could always be obtained by the fur being 

 taken only at its prime, while the transportation charges for conveying the product to 

 market would be very small. In the manufactured garments the quotations on seal 

 are only about 25 to 30 per cent higher than on the natural otter. 



While the impression is abroad that the skins of southern animals have a decided 

 disadvantage in the market as to quality, it is learned from leading New York furriers 

 that the Florida otter compares favorably with the furs of more northern latitudes; 

 and, further, that any quantity of Florida pelts may be sold in New York, and that 

 even daring the past depression in business otter fur held its own, which is the best 

 proof of its stability. 



The otter is most easily domesticated, having a marked degree of intelligence and 

 acute perceptions; he is cunning and affectionate, and as playful as a kitten. In his 

 native haunts he is one of the shyest of wild animals, but in the domain of civilization 

 is bold, venturesome, and ever ready to make friends and foes alike. Few animals 

 equal the otter in agility; his long, flexible body is enveloped in a skin so loose that 

 he almost seems able to turn himself over in it; he can dart or turn in the water with 

 as much celerity as a fish, and is therefore an expert swimmer. Small fish he eats in 

 the water, while large ones he brings out on laud to devour. 



In raising the otter for his fur, every arrangement should be perfected to conform 

 to the natural surroundings of the animal, the idea being simply to assist nature. 

 Here in Florida the otter will grow and flourish with little or no attention. At the 

 age of twelve months he is full-grown, and the fur is at its prime. The weight of a 

 full-grown otter varies from 20 to 25 pounds. The female has young once a year, the 

 number varying from three to five, although instances are known of eight young having 

 been found with the mother. 



It is confidently believed by those who have studied the subject, that the semi- 

 domesticated otter, when well fed and cared for, will mature faster and rear a larger 

 number of young than in a wild state. With the success attending the experiment 

 of raising the otters which are now on exhibition at this Congress, the mind may 

 quickly picture a ranch for this amphibious herd, both ideal and picturesque. The 

 rich tropical foliage, the bird notes, and the dreamy southern sky are there; on the 

 north shore of the large fresh-water lake are dense cypress forests; whitecaps play 

 upon the waters; wild duck, crane, and quail are numerous. One side of the lake is 

 covered with weeds and grasses reaching back and extending over a low, marshy 

 ground, which is thickly dotted with clumps of bushes and cypress trees. The cypress 

 knees, being very large and hollow, form ideal breeding-homes for the otter, whieh 

 they enter by a passage underneath the surface of the water, forming a safe harbor 

 and a secure retreat from all enemies. An abundance of food supply at small cost 

 is an important point to be considered; and, after investigation, (lerman carp has 

 been decided upon as the most desirable fish for that purpose. In lS!)r>, a supply of 

 scale and leather carp was procured from the U.S. Fish Commission, and deposited 

 in two fresh-water lakes, covering an area of about <;o acres. 



