SWIMMERS 



between tides whenever it is convenient, know- 

 ing that twice each day the tide will overflow 

 them and drown any mink that may have been 

 so unfortunate as to put his foot into one of 

 them in the mean time. 



Minks exhibit much of the playful humour 

 of otters, and even when alone are often seen 

 playing about in the sun like kittens. They 

 swim rapidly, either under water or on the sur- 

 face, using all four feet like a dog, and from time 

 to time raising their long necks and triangular, 

 snake-like heads several inches above the surface, 

 to look about them. I have never seen one 

 chasing fish under water, but have no doubt that 

 they do it just as otters do, following their prey 

 through all its frantic twisting and dodging until 

 it is captured. 



Most birds exhibit curiosity rather than alarm 

 at sight of a mink, or at all events they express 

 their emotions, whatever they are, in a different 

 manner. Instead of screaming as they do when 



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