teAPPING THE OTTER. 
LACK and shining as an otter, 1s an expression often 
B used, and it comes to mind when on our cruisings we 
occasionally see him upon the banks of pure white snow 
beside the stream. His fur is of the finest and most valuable. 
We believe he is the handsomest fellow to a trapper’s think- 
ing, of the whole furry tribe. The trapper is always much 
elated to find one in his trap, when it is set upon the land, 
his beautiful fur showing its fine silky richness, as he rolls 
over, doubles up and twists about. Long, strong and a very 
supple animal, low set upon his short and strong legs, of the 
firmest build altogether and very heavy for his size, it takes a 
thorough made trap to hold him, especially if caught upon 
the land. The swivel must work free and he must have a 
chance to swing around ‘in, quite a little space, or in his 
gymnastic performance he may twist himself free from the 
trap if he is a large one. 
As it is now, we will say, just the time for their fur to be 
getting dark and rich, nearly prime, we will take the canoe 
and paddle down to minnow brook and set two or three traps. 
There are indications of rain, which is what we like imme- 
