326 



MAMMAilA. 



The skin of the Otter is, and has always been, a fur of great 

 value, and deservedly so, for it is soft, close, and durable. The coat 

 of this animal, like that of the Beaver; and almost all the aquatic 

 Mammals, is composed of two layers — one next the skin, formed 



Ill I fi\ kW\\\> iiii 



of short, fine, and downy hair ; the other, which grows through 

 it, is more glossjr, longer, and coarser. The Otter is hunted 

 with ardour, as much to obtain possession of the animal's fur as 

 to destroy it. The pursuit, without fire-arms, is a difficult one, 



