THE COMMON OTTER 
sometimes fallen in with the Otter during the day. In a loch far in the 
hills I have seen one raise itself half out of the water, take a steady 
look at me, and then sink gradually and quietly below the surfece, 
appearing again at some distance, but next time showing only part of 
its head. At other times I have seen one floating down a stream with 
no exertion of its own which could attract notice ; but passing with 
the current, showing only the top of its head and its nose, with its tail 
floating near the surface, and waving to and fro as if independent of all 
restraint from its owner." 
Two or three young are usually born at a time in some well-con- 
cealed shelter, such as a covered drain, a hole in a bank, or inside 
a hollow tree by the water. The cubs are taught to swim and catch 
their prey by the mother. 
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