SMALLER OTTER. 443 
ous of that rigid order, who are prohibited, dur- 
ing their whole hves, the eating of flesh. 
SMALLER OTTER. 
Lutra Lutreola. L, fuko-nigricansj jilantis hirsutis, digitis 
oeqiialibiis, ore albo. 
Blackish-tawny O. with hairy feet, toes equal in length, and 
white muzzle. 
Mustela Lutreola. M. planfis palmatis hirsutis, digitis ccquali- 
bus, ore albo, Lin. St/st. Nat. p. 66. 
Viverra Lutreola. Pall, spicil, zool. 14. p. 46- t. $.f. i. 
Lesser Otter. Pennant Quadr. 2. p. 80. 
This species very much resembles the common 
Otter, but is much smaller: the body is of a 
dusky-colour, but with a considerable cast of 
tawny; the chin and throat white; the ears 
roundish ; the feet broad, webbed, and covered 
with hair, instead of being naked;, as in the for- 
mer animal. In size it falls far short of the com- 
mon Otter^ measuring about a foot in length. In 
North America this species is known by the name 
of Minx, and is said sometimes to leave the water, 
and prey on poultry, &c. in the manner of a Pole- 
cat, biting off the heads and sucking the blood. 
It is said also to have a fetid smell. In Europe 
the smaller Otter is chiefly found in Poland and 
Lithuania, living on fish, frogs, &c. Its fur is 
very valuable, and next in beauty to that of the 
Sable. 
