160 FAMILIAR LIFE IN FIELD AND FOREST. 



The skin of the otter is usually taken from the 

 body without being opened lengthwise, and is in a 

 prime condition in November. The fur is seal brown, 

 with beautiful lustrous long hairs, and thick, close 

 under hairs of a rich but lighter hue. It is the most 

 s-aluable fur of the Ilastelidw family, excepting that 

 of the sea otter, which in its prime condition brings 

 from four to five hundred dollars for one skin. The 

 otter's skin is worth from three to ten dollars, ac- 

 cording to color, the darkest fur bringing the most 

 money. The best skins come from Canada, New 

 England, Lake Superior, and the Northwest. Open 

 skins have a decreased value of twenty per cent on 

 the prices quoted. 



