158 



ON THE GENUS LUTRA. 



L. destructor a special distinction resting on the ultimate details 

 of its structure ; a speciality is also displayed in relation to the 

 outward world, by the breaking of beaver-works, and preying 

 upon that animal. Another speciality is its non-association with, 

 or enmity towards the other otter. Its isolated mode of life may 

 be deemed a third ; and its allowed inferior size u a fourth speciality, 

 apart from structural details. 



A sufficient amount of data and information has been adduced, 

 I think, to authorize the introduction of the L. destructor as an- 

 other and distinct species of otter, inhabiting in small numbers the 

 region of North-eastern America. If the grounds appear too slight 

 for the substantiating specific impress, I hope that, in course of time, 

 further inquiry and better examination by practical zoologists will 

 decide the point, as well as add to our stock of zoological know- 

 ledge. 



Differences in Measurement of Two Otters. 



Total length from point of nose to end of tail 



Length from " " to root " 



Height of hairy portion of upper lip 



Breadth from angle to angle of mouth beneath, across 



the lower lip from jaw to jaw 



Breadth of expanded forepaw 



Breadth of hind sole at callosities 



Breadth of expanded hind foot, from point of the first toe 



to point of the fifth 



Breadth of muzzle behind the nose 



" from point of one eye to point of the other 



" of head at opening of the ear 



Circumference of head at the ear 



" " " at the eyes 



" " neck at three inches from the ear 



" " body at shoulder 



Length of head from occiput to point of nose 



" from eye to the nostril 



" " " to point of snout 



" " " to entering angle of bare portion of nose 



on forehead 



Circumference from point of snout to auditory opening. . 



^ft 



oSs 



«8 rt 



g g 







Inches. 



Inches. 



36.20 



38.25 



23.25 



24.00 



.62 



.65 



2.00 



2.20 



2.60 



2.75 



1.75 



2.00 



3.25 



3.50 



1.75 



1.90 



1.60 



2.00 



3.25 



3.75 



8.12 



9.25 



6.12 



6.50 



9.50 



10.50 



13.00 



14.00 



4.75 



4.75 



1.00 



1.10 



1.50 



1.60 



1.12 



1.25 



3.60 1 



3.90 



Note. — The wood-cuts illustrating this article were drawn on the blocks by Mr. 

 H. S. Smith and engraved by Mr. J. H. Walker. 



