4s6 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS* 



web ; the hind feet like thofe of a Seal ; length, from 

 nofe to tail, four feet two inches ; tail thirteen, flat, and 

 pointed at the end. — The largeft of them weigh from fe- 

 venty to eighty pounds. 



The Sea-Otter is remarkably harmlefs, and moft affec- 

 tionately fond of its young : It will pine to death for its 

 lofs, and die on the very fpot where it has been taken 

 away. Before its young can fwim, it will carry it in its 

 paws, and fupport it in the water, laying upon its back. 

 — It fwims in various pofitions, — on its back, fides, and 

 even in a perpendicular pofture ; and in the water is very 

 fportive. — Two of them are fometimes feen embracing 

 each other. — It frequents {hallow places, abounding with 

 fea-weed; and feeds on lobfters, crabs, and other fhell- 



It breeds but once a year, and produces one young at 

 a time, which it fuckles and carefully attends almoft a 

 year. 



The flefti of a young Ottter is reckoned delicate eating, 

 and not eafily diftinguimed from that of a lamb. 



