COMMON OTTEIt 39 1 
pressed, that they turn upon and fly at their 
pursuers. 
They are very fond of play ; and one of their 
favourite pastimes is, to get on a high ridge of 
snow, bend their fore feet backward, and slide down 
the side of it, sometimes to the distance of twenty 
yards. 
A person of the name of Collins, who lived at 
Kilmerston, near Wooler, in Northumberland, had 
a tame otter, which followed him wherever he 
went. He frequently took it to fish in the river ; 
and when satiated, it never failed to return to its 
master. One day, in the absence of Collins, the 
otter being taken out to fish by his son, instead of 
returning as usual, refused to come at the accus- 
tomed call, and was lost. The father tried every 
means to recover it ; and after several days search, 
being near the place were his son had lost it, and 
calling it by its name, to his inexpressible joy it 
came creeping to his feet, and shewing many marks 
of affection and firm attachment. 
Some years ago, James Campbell, near Inverness, 
had a young otter, which lie brought up and tamed. 
It would follow him whenever he chose ; and if 
called on by its name, would immediately obey. 
When apprehensive of danger from dogs, it. 
fought the protection of its master, and would en- 
deavour to spring into his arms for greater security. 
1 1 was frequently employed in catching fish, and 
would sometimes take eight; or ten salmon in a day. 
If not prevented, it always made an attempt to 
break the fish behind the fin nest the tail ; and, as 
boon as one was taken away, it immediately dived 
in pursuit of more, When tired, it would refuse 
to fish any longer ; and was then rewarded with as 
much as it could devour. Having satisfied its appe® 
iitc, it always coiled itself round, and fell asleep ; 
in which state it was generally carried home. 
