2 62 OTTER. 
s 
trives to make even this little air-hole in the middle 
of some thick bush. The Doctor acknowledges 
that in some places this may be true, but he 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 itsnlf seemed to have but a small share in its 
formation. Be this as it may, the young ones are 
always found at the edge of the water ; and if un- 
der the protection of the dam, she teaches them in- 
stantly to plunge, like herself, into the deep, and 
escape among the rushes or weeds that fringe the 
stream. It is there exceedingly difficult to take 
them ; for, though very 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 
trained on purpose. When the dog discovers their 
retreat, he soon by his barking shows that the 
otter is there, which immediately plunges into the 
water, followed by all the young. If, however, 
the old one be absent, they continue terrified, and 
suffer themselves to be taken, rather than venture 
forth without their parent for a guide. At first 
they are carefully fed with small fish and water; but 
in proportion as they gather strength they have 
milk mixed among their food, the quantity of fish 
provision is retrenched, and that of vegetables is in- 
creased, till at length they are fed wholly upon 
