170 MARINE MAiUIALS OF THE NORTH-WESTERN COAST. 



the ^rhite hunters, that abounds at nearly all points known as their favorite resort- 

 ing -places. The mothers caress and suckle their offspring seemingly with much 

 affection, fondling them with their fore paws — reclining, in their usual manner — 

 and frequently uttering a plaintive sound, which may have given rise to the saying 

 that "Sea Otters sing to quiet their young ones," and gives some credence to the 

 suggestion that the human -like actions of the animal originated the story about 

 mermaids. But when they are startled, they rise perpendicularly half their length 

 out of the water ; and if their quick, sharp eyes discern aught to cause alarm, the 

 cubs are seized by the mouth, and both mother and offspring instantly disappear 

 under water. Males and females are sometimes seen curled up in such shapeless- 

 ness as to present no appearance of animal form. When in this posture they are 

 said to be sleeping. 



Sea Otters are rarely seen far from shore, their home being among the thick 

 beds of kelp near the beach, or about outlying rocl<y reefs and islets. Point Gren- 

 ville, however, seems to be an exception, as there is no kelp in sight from the 

 shore. 



PtTRSUiT AND CAPTtTRE. — Abont the period of the establishmerrt of Fort Astoria, 

 near the mouth of the Columbia River, and for many succeeding years, the Sea 

 Otter hunters along the coasts of California and Oregon were made up from nearly 

 all tlie maritime nations of Europe and America, as well as from the different tribes 

 of natives that dwelt near the sea- shore. Those of the former were hardy spirits, 

 who preferred a wild life and adventurous pursuits, rather than civilized employ- 

 ment. The distance coasted in their lightl}^ constructed boats, the stealthy search 

 for the game, and when discovered, the sharp -shooting chase, gave these hunting 

 expeditions a pleasant tinge of venture. Moreover, the taking of Sea Otters on the 

 coasts of the Californias was prohibited by the Mexican government, and the hunt- 

 ers were aware that, if detected, the penalty would be severe ; hence, they ever 

 kept a watchful eye on all vessels seen, which were carefully avoided or cautiously 

 approached. 



A peculiar sort of boat is used by the hunters, called an "Otter-canoe." It 

 is fifteen feet long, nearly five wide, and eighteen inches deep. It is sharp at each 

 end, with flaring sides, and but little sheer. Still, these boats are excellent "sea- 

 goers," and are regarded as unsurpassed for landing through the surf, their shape 

 being peculiar. So, likewise, are the paddles for propelling them, which are short, 

 with very broad blades — they being better adapted for use in the thick beds of 

 kelp. The outfit, when going on a cruise, is limited to nearly the barest necessities. 

 Three men usually go in one boat — two to paddle, and one to shoot ; the latter 



