THE COMMON OTTER 



sometimes fallen in with the Otter during the day. In a loch far in the 

 hills I have seen one raise itself half out of the water, take a steady 

 look at me, and then sink gradually and quietly below the surface, 

 appearing again at some distance, but next time showing only part of 

 its head. At other times I have seen one floating down a stream with 

 no exertion of its own which could attract notice ; but passing with 

 the current, showing only the top of its head and its nose, with its tail 

 floating near the surface, and waving to and fro as if independent of all 

 restraint from its owner." 



Two or three young are usually born at a time in some well-con- 

 cealed shelter, such as a covered drain, a hole in a bank, or inside 

 a hollow tree by the water. The cubs are taught to swim and catch 

 their prey by the mother. 



67 



