tlie water, and remains under the surface until it reaches a suffi- 
cient distance to elude its pursuers. This animal, though chiefly 
living in the water, does not feed upon fish — he is a vegetarian, 
and subsists on fruits, shrubs, and grass. It is mild and timid in 
its nature, and flies from every threatened attack or danger; hut 
when escape is impossible it will make a vigorous resistance. Its 
attitude is that of sitting on the posterior parts, like a dog ; and 
its voice is an excellent imitation of a whistle. The tapir when 
tamed is gentle and docile, and its flesh is considered wholesome. 
THE OTTER. 
lthough this animal is not considered by naturalists as 
altogether amphibious, it is, notwithstanding, capable of 
remaining for a long time under water, where it pursues its 
prey with great facility. The legs of the otter are very short hut 
remarkably strong, broad and muscular ; on each foot are five 
toes, connected by membranes like those of a water fowl; its 
head is broad, of an oval form, and flat on the upper part ; the 
body is long and round, and the tail tapers to a point ; the eyes 
are brilliant, and placed in such a manner that the animal can see 
every object that is above it, which gives it a singular appearance, 
very much resembling an eel or an asp ; the ears are short and 
their orifice narrow. The fur of the otter, which is valuable, is 
of a dark brown color, with two small light spots on each side of 
