THE OTTER. 
aoi 
known water, both in woods and in open 
plains. In winter, if pursued in the woods 
'''here the snow is light and deep, they will bur- 
and make considerable way under it ; but 
'■hey may be easily traced by the motion of the 
®aow above them and overtaken. The Indians 
^hl many of them with clubs ; but some of the 
''Id ones are so fierce that when closely pressed 
fhey will turn and fly at the pursuer. They 
said to be very fond of play ; and Hearne 
'•®lls us that one of their favourite pastimes is 
get on a high ridge of snow, bend their 
fhre-feet backward, and slide down the side of 
'tj sometimes to the distance of twenty yards. 
In the marshes of Guiana otters are very 
'''nnerous : they herd together near the banks 
''drivers, and are so fierce that it is not safe 
approach them. Those of Cayenne are 
'^^ry large, weighing from ninety to one hun- 
'Ifed pounds ; they are of a dark brown colour, 
''''d their fur is fine, soft, and short. 
