CARNIVOROUS QUADRUPEDS. 57 



in the Northern States it retires to its burrow in the au- 

 tumn to sleep through the winter. 



91. The Otters form a somewhat aberrant genus of 

 the Weasel family. They differ from the other genera 

 in being aquatic, their prey being for the most part in 

 the water. Their paws are fitted for swimming, which 

 they do with great celerity. Their fur is close, short, 

 and fine, so that it may not interfere with their progress 

 in the water, and they are provided with a nictitating 

 (winking) membrane which can be drawn over the eye 

 for defense, it being transparent enough to allow the an- 

 imal to see through it. There is considerable resem- 

 blance in these animals to the seals soon to be noticed. 

 There is one species found on the northwest coast of 

 America, and on the opposite or northeast coast of Asia, 

 which has this resemblance strongly marked. Its tail is 

 short, and its hind feet form very broad paddles, and are 

 situated far back for convenience in swimming. 



Questions. What are included in the second family of the Carniv- 

 ora ? What is said of the varieties of the Dog ? What is said of the 

 influence of domestication? How are the Dog and Cat contrasted? 

 How does the difference between the varieties of dogs compare with 

 that between the species of some animals ? What is said in this con- 

 nection of the varieties of the human race ? Describe the Wolf and 

 its habits. What is said of its relation to the Dog ? What of its ex- 

 termination? Of its ravages? What are the characteristics and 

 habits of the Fox ? What is said of the fox-chase ? For what is the 

 Arctic Fox remarkable ? What is said of the Jackal ? What are 

 included in the Weasel family ? What is said of their structure and 

 habits ? What is said of the common Weasel ? What is said of the 

 furs that come from this family ? What is said of the Skunk ? What 

 of the Otters ? 



C2 



