CARNIVOROUS QUADRUPEDS. Sy 
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 
cf the Otters ? 
C2 
