AN OTTER CUB 
145 
being ready to find the remainder; and, of the ^1,400, over 
^200 has been subscribed, chiefly locally ; but the option of 
purchase expires next I^ady-day, so that this is practically a 
case of “ his dat, qui ciio dat.” 
Our readers will remember that the third scheme, that for 
the acquisition of Warley Woods as an open space for the 
teeming population of Birmingham, originated with the local 
branch of our Society ; and, though it has now passed out of 
their hands into that of a more widely representative committee, 
our local Honorary Secretary represents us on that body. 
Eighteen acres of the adjoining Lightwoods Park have already 
been secured at a cost of ^13,000, and by means of a further 
sum of the same amount, towards which £10,000 has been 
promised, this valuable “ lung ” can be increased to forty-five 
acres. The collection of the remainder ought to present little 
difficulty to the residents, neighbours and friends of the metro- 
polis of the Midlands ; but here, again, it is most desirable 
that a large number of contributors, poor as well as rich, should 
prove that they truly appreciate the proffered boon. 
AN OTTER CUB. 
T was on the morning of March 17 last that I visited 
a little-frequented corner of my Stratford garden in 
search of early violets, and while looking about I 
became aware of a light sound coming from out a 
tangle of shrubs and ivy— a sound that was something between 
a whimper and a chirp. Wondering whether I was about to 
discover an early nest of young birds or merely a new-born 
kitten, I plunged into the thicket, and after a moment’s search 
found the maker of the commotion. To my surprise, upon 
parting the undergrowth, I saw before me an entirely delightful 
otter cub, half concealed among the ivy, with little more than 
the blunt head and sturdy tail in view. 
Exactly how the little creature found its way into my walled- 
in garden will, of course, remain a mystery ; but presumably a 
recent rising of the river had invaded the lair of the family, when 
either the mother had carried her cub to the spot or the young 
had been scattered and each had found sanctuary where it could. 
There is an aperture under the front gate sufficient to admit a 
full-grown otter, and from the trampled appearance of the ivy 
bordering the garden, I imagine that these or other creatures 
have from time to time made a way for themselves through the 
undergrowth. 
The pretty cub showed fight on being disturbed, and was 
certainly possessed of a few quite formidable little teeth. When 
left alone it closed its large eyes and seemed disposed to sleep, 
but snapped at any intruder or even at a stick placed beside it. 
