OTTER. 
$6l 
neath the water. The shore also is hollow, and 
scooped inwards by the waves. These are the 
places the otter chooses for its retreat ; and they are 
generally discovered by the quantity of dead fish 
that are found scattered about upon the banks of 
the water. The late Dr. Goldsmith, who added his 
own information to that of Mr. Lot’s of the aca- 
demy of Stockholm, assures us, that it is no easy 
task to take the old ones alive, as they are so very 
strong that few dogs will dare to attack them; 
They bite with great fierceness, and never let go 
their hold when once fastened. The best way 
therefore is to shoot them at once, as they will 
never be thoroughly tamed unless they are taken 
young, when they may be trained to very useful 
purposes. The otter goes about nine weeks with 
young, and brings forth three, four, or five at a 
time : the bed for the reception of the little ones 
is made under the hollow banks, of rushes, flags, 
or such weeds as the place affords in greatest quan- 
tities. It is observed by Mr. Pennant, that this 
animal burrows under ground on the banks of some 
river or lake, and always makes the entrance of its 
hole under water ; works upwards to the surface 
of the earth, and forms, before it reaches the top, 
several holts, or lodges, that, in case of high floods, 
it may have a retreat, for no animal affects lying 
drier, and there makes a minute orifice for the ad- 
mission of air : it is further observed, that this ani- 
mal, the more effectually to conceal its retreat, con- 
