The OTTER.
The gradation from one claſs of beings to another is made by almoſt imperceptible degrees. The amphibious nature of ſome quadrupeds join them in cloſe connection with the fiſh tribe; to which claſs, the links of the chain ſo gradually diminiſh, that we ſcarce know where to fix its termination. The Otter and Beaver are calculated to live on land, yet their propenſity leads them to the water; and Nature has provided ſuitably for their deſtination. Theſe animals have four feet, and the Beaver has a tail covered with ſcales; the gradation then deſcends to the Seal, whoſe hind feet anſwer more the appearance and purpoſe of fins; next the Walrus, &c. till all diſtinction is loſt in a complete inhabitant of the limpid fluid.
The Otter is a very voracious animal, eats much, and deſtroys infinitely more; for, not content with ſufficient to ſatisfy hunger, it kills through wantonneſs, and deſtroys for mere victory. On the brink of ſome lake or river, under the bank, where the waves have formed an excavation, in a gallery of this kind it makes its abode; and, when purſued, evades the ſearch by plunging into the water many yards diſtant from the place where it was expected to be found. In a running ſtream the Otter always purſues its prey againſt the current; it frequently ſinks to the bottom, and any fiſh paſſing over is ſure to become its immediate prey. In ſtanding water it hunts them into ſome creek, where they rarely eſcape its voracity or cruelty; for it will continue the hunt for hours, and dragging the prey on ſhore, leave it as trophies of ſucceſs. In a few nights, one has been known to deſtroy all the fiſh in a large pond; will ſcent or wind the fiſh at a great diſtance.
The Otter, when taken young, may be tamed, and taught to follow like a dog, and may even be accuſtomed to fiſh for, and at the command of, his maſter: this perfection of education requires much perſeverance, but is very profitable when attained. The Otter brings three or four young at a time; the old ones are rarely or never taken alive; the hunting them is eſteemed good ſport, as they ſuſtain a long chace, fight boldly, and bite cruelly; indeed, few dogs will venture to attack them alone.
The colour of this animal is various; in general, a light brown; neck, cheſt, and belly white; the hair rather coarſe; neck long and thick; head round; eyes very cloſe together; ears ſmall; tail thickiſh; feet ſhort, but very ſtrong and flexible, and the articulations ſo looſe, that they can be turned quite round, and brought on a line with the body; a membrane joins the toes of all the feet; about 2 feet long; tail 12 or 16 inches; are natives of moſt temperate parts of the world; and are found as far north as Kamſchatka: the ſkins are eſteemed very ſerviceable for gloves.
