ORDER OF CAENIYOEA. 
327 
the paramount object being to drive the animal into some spot 
where the water is shallow, for alone under such circumstances 
can it be killed or captured. 
Otters are found in every part of the world ; but they are most 
plentiful in Europe and America. The Common Otter measures 
about two feet and a quarter from the tip of the muzzle to the 
commencement of the tail, which is from twelve to fifteen inches 
in length. The usual colour of its coat is brown, more or less 
dark. In Kamschatka and on the coasts of the North Pacific 
Ocean there exists a species of Otter ( Enhydra , Fleming) which 
differs from all other species in the softness and brilliancy of its 
fur, and its exclusively marine habits ; it is rather more than a 
yard in length. The male and the female are strongly attached 
to their offspring, as well as to each other, and this union appears 
of a durable nature. They are, besides, of so mild a nature that 
when caught in a trap they oppose scarcely any resistance to their 
destruction. 
The skins of Sea- otters are much sought after. In Europe, 
where they are scarce, their price varies from £32 to £60. The 
markets of China and Japan are supplied with them from the 
North Pacific, where they are used for the adornment of the 
mandarins, and other high functionaries. But however ex- 
travagant their price may be at the present time, it will certainly 
increase, as these animals are gradually becoming exterminated 
before the advance of Man. 
The Weasel Tribe (. Maries , Cuv. ; Mustela, Linn.) — The Weasels 
are the smallest, but they are also the most ferocious of all the 
flesh-eaters, not even excepting the Lion, Tiger, and Panther. 
They feed entirely on living prey, and seem only to delight in 
slaughter ; but they seldom attack animals disproportioned to 
their own size. Bats, Mice, Squirrels, form the chief part of 
their sustenance, or Birds, which they surprise on their perches 
at night, for they can climb with great agility. 
Some of the members of this genus, such as the Marten, the 
Polecat, and the Weasel, generally live in the vicinity of Man’s 
habitations. And, availing themselves of the slenderness and flexi- 
bility of their bodies, make their way through holes and apertures 
into farm-yards, poultry-houses, and rabbit-hutches, when they 
put to death all the inhabitants. They appear to possess some 
