THE COMMON- OTTER. SSQ 



when satiated, it never failed to return to its master. 

 One day, in the absence of Collins, the Otter be- 

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

 as usual, refused to come at the accustomed call, 

 and was lost. The father tried every means to re- 

 cover it ; and, after several days search, being near 

 the place where his son Iwd lost it, and calling it by 

 its name, to his inexpressible joy it came creeping 

 to his feet, and shewing many marks of affection 

 and firm attachment. 



Some years ago, James Campbell, near Inverness, 

 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 v/ould endeavour 

 to spring into his arms for greater security. It was 

 frequently employed in catching fish, and would 

 sometimes take eight or ten Salmon in a dav. If 

 not prevented, it always made an attempt to break 

 the fish behind the fm next the tail ; and, as soon 

 as one was taken away^ it immediately dived in pur- 

 suit of more. When tired, it \^'Ould refuse to fish 

 any longer ; and was then rewarded with as much as 

 it could devour. Having satislied its appetite, it al- 

 ways coiled itself round, and fell asleep ; in which 

 state it was generally carried home. The same Otter 

 fished as well in the sea as in fresh water^ and took 

 great numbers of young Cod and other fish there. 



Another person who kept a tame Otter, suilered 

 it to follow him with his Dogs. It was very useful 

 to him in fisliing; by going into the water, and driv- 



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