THE OTTER PLAYS ON 65 
and to offer all the events that lie in the realm 
of the unexplored. Between near-by streams 
and lakes there are regular and well-worn ways. 
By easy grades these follow mostly open 
Ways across rough country. It is likely that 
even the long, seldom-used, and unmarked ways 
across miles of watersheds are otter trails that 
have been used for ages. 
Fortunate folks, these otters, to have so much 
time, and such wild, romantic regions for travel 
and exploration! After each exciting time that 
I have watched them I have searched for hours 
and days trying to see another outfit of otter 
explorers. But only a few brief glimpses have 
I had of these wild, picturesque, adventurous 
bands. 
In all kinds of places, in action for fun or 
food, frolic or fight, the otter ever gives a good 
account of himself. He appears to fear only 
man. Though he may be attacked by larger 
animals this matter is not heavily on his mind, 
for when he wants to travel he travels; and he 
does this, too, both in water and on land, and 
by either day or night. To a remarkable de- 
gree he can take care of himself. Though I have 
not seen him do so, I can readily believe the 
stories that accredit this twenty-pound weasel- 
like fellow with killing young bears and deer, 
and drowning wolves and dogs. 
