OEDBE OF CAENIVOEA. 327 



the paramount object being to drive tbe animal into some spot 

 wbere the water is shallow, for alone under such circumstances 

 can it be killed or captured. 



Otters are found in every part of the world ; but they are most 

 plentiful in Europe and America. The Common Otter measures 

 about two feet and a quarter from the tip of the muzzle to the 

 commencement of the taU, which is from twelve to fifteen inches 

 ia length. The usual colour of its coat is brown, more or less 

 dark. In Kamschatka and on the coasts of the North Pacific 

 Ocean there exists a species of Otter {Enhydra, Fleming) which 

 differs from all other species in the softness and brilliancy of its 

 fur, and its exclusively mariue habits ; it is rather more than a 

 yard in length. The male and the female are strongly attached 

 to their offspring, as well as to each other, and this union appears 

 of a durable nature. They are, besides, of so mild a nature that 

 when caught in a trap they oppose scarcely any resistance to their 

 destruction. 



The skins of Sea-otters are much sought after. In Europe, 

 where they are scarce, their price varies from £32 to £60. The 

 markets of China and Japan are supplied with them from the 

 North Pacific, where they are used for the adornment of the 

 mandarins, and other high functionaries. Exit however ex- 

 travagant their price may be at the present time, it will certainly 

 increase, as these animals are gradually becoming extermiaated 

 before the advance of Man. 



The Weasel Tribe {Martes, Cuv. ; Mustela, Linn.) — The Weasels 

 are the smallest, but they are also the most ferocious of all the 

 flesh-eaters, not even excepting the Lion, Tiger, and Panther. 

 They feed entirely on living prey, and seem only to delight in 

 slaughter; but they seldom attack animals disproportioned to 

 their own size. Eats, Mice, Squirrels, form the chief part of 

 their sustenance, or Birds, which they surprise on their perches 

 at night, for they can climb with great agility. 



Some of the members of this genus, such as the Marten, the 

 Polecat, and the Weasel, generaUy live in the vicinity of Man's 

 habitations. And, availing themselves of the slenderness and flexi- 

 bility of their bodies, make their way through holes and apertures 

 into farm-yards, poultry-houses, and rabbit-hutches, when they 

 put to death aU the inhabitants. They appear to possess some 



