COMMON OTTER. 
38 $ 
the hollow banks, upon a bed of rushes, dags, oi 
such weeds as the place affords it in the greatest 
quantities. Mr. Pennant savs, that it burrows un- 
der ground, on the banks of some river or lake^ 
and always makes the entrance of its hole under 
water, then works up to the surface of the earth, and 
there makes a minute orifice for the admission of 
air, and this little air hole is often found in the mid- 
dle of some thicket. In some places this may be 
true, but Goldsmith has never observed any such 
contrivance ; the retreat, indeed, was always at the 
edge of the water, but it was only sheltered by the 
impending bank, and the otter itself seemed to 
have but a small share in its formation. Rut be 
this as it may, the young ones are always found at 
the edge of the water ; and, if under the protec- 
tion of their dam, she teaches them instantly to 
plunge, like herself, into the deep, and escape 
among the rushes or weeds that fringe the stream. 
At such times, therefore, it is very difficult to 
take them ; for, though never so young, they swim 
with great rapidity, and in such a manner, that no 
part of them is seen above water, except the tip of 
the nose. It is only when the dam is absent that 
they can be taken ; and, in some places, there are 
dogs purposely trained for discovering their re- 
treats. Whenever the dog comes to the place, he 
soon, by his barking, shews that the otter is there ; 
which, if there be an old one* instantly plunges 
into the water, and the youngall follow. But, if 
the old one be absent, they continue terrified, and 
will not venture forth but under her guidance and 
protection. In this manner they are secured, and 
taken home alive, where they are carefully fed 
with small fisli and water* In proportion, how- 
ever, as they gather strength, they have milk 
mixed among their food, the quantity of their fish 
provision is retrenched, and that of vegetables is 
