The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-05-22

traits mentioned occur so often among other
feral creatures, and are SO well known, that it
seems unnecessary to do more than indicate
the fact of their existence, while wild beasts of
several kinds have been trained to do as much
in the way of hunting, and often far more.
All Lutrin@ are naturally timid and wary,
but seemingly they disappear before mans en-
croachments on account of other causes than
the mere dread his presence inspires or the
destruction which has been wrought among
them. In Europe and Asia, as we'll as here
obters are known TO have frequented long set
tied localities. The Eastern Shore Of Maryland
and
THE BANKS OF THE POTOMAC NEAR WASH
INGToN
were favorite haunts of theirs during the whole
period of which any records exist. and although
their numbers are doubtless greatly diminished,
the animals yet remain extant in these regions.
There is an abundance of information con-
corning their habits and this possesses the un-
nsual merit of being, for the most part, reliable.
without specifying authorities, the American
otter general way of life is very nearly as fo,-
lows: He burrows the bank of some clear
stream or lake, connecting the entrance, which
IS under water with subterTanean chamber
lined with grass or other soft vegetable matter.
This is the living room, and it is often made adj
ditionally secure by the tunnel being carried
under the roots of tree. II is ut tho exit of
this passage that fish baited traps are set, and
here also the Indian waits on moonlight nights
To shoot the animal as it rises to the surface.
Offers are chiefly nocturnal, and always so in
places where they are much disturbed; at the
same time, many observers have seen them
fishing by day. They catch the swiftest fish
with much certainty since the otter adds TO it's
extreme rapidity of motion in the water far
higher degree of intelligence than his prey
possesses, besides exhibiting great pertinacity
IN pursuit. "One crunch of its powerful jaw
behind tho dorsal fin " puts an end to the
struggle, and then tho game is brought on
shore, or carried by the head to partially sub
merged log, to be devoured. Invariably the
head is eaten first, and subsequently, the body
as far back as the tail, which is said to be al
ways rejected.
Otters everywhere prefer clear streams. and
in tho north commonly choose the vicinity of
falls or rapids for their residence, where the
water does not freeze. They arc essentially
aquatic animals and if cut off from their favor
ite element by its congelation, will make long
land Journeys in search of more suitable open
spot. 1t was probably while taking such trips
ms these that they have been recorded rs seen
IN tho northern forests and upon extensive
sheets OF ice. When pursued under these cir
cumstanccs, tho animal may be said
TO SWIM IN THE SNOW,
or at least its mode Of progression along the
surface Is described as more like swimming
than any other mode of locomotion, although
1t Is possibly but the same succession of found
ering leaps that tho sea otter makes when en-
deavoring to escape If the snow be light, the
creature dives Into il. and works his way be-
meath the surface, leaving, however, a furrow,
ike burrowiug mole, by witch its course is
betrayed TO the Indians, who on such occasions
pursue 1t very successfully with clubs. Like
many timid creatures, when brought to bay,
the otter fights desperately. and as his teeth are
formidable and his jaw strong, an imperfcctly-
equipped hunter often has great difficulty in
securing the pelt, or sometimes fails in doing
so altogether
The diet is habitually pscivorous, but when
pressed by hunger otters will eat any of the
smaller animals they can catch, and in captiv-
ity soon learn 10 tolerate vegetable food. IL
was on account of their fish eating tastes and
aquatic habits that the Ecclesiastical Natural
lists" who have made many an amusing mis-
take besides, originated an idea which subse-
quentIy became widespread, to the effect that the
animal was partly fish itsef-a sort of quad
rupedal mermaid. beast in front, but piscine
posteriorly, so that its hindquarters might be
eaten on fast days
Like beavers, they are sportiVe creatures,
given to gymnastics, and fond of playing to-
Rcthcr although not being actually grcgarious;
It is likely that their sports may be confined to
iamily parties, and IN the only instance Of
" coasting" which the writer recalls. as actually
observed, the participants were q male and fe-
male. Their sliding is practiced upon steep
snow banks in Winter and during Summer on
incliniag clay bluffs abuttine upon the water.
Every obstruction being FIRST carefully removed,
aud the otter doubling up its limbs glidcs on
lis breast into the stream. Naturally after a
few rcpctitions, the surface becomes muddy, |
and the rapidity OF molten is thus increased. |
There is this TO be said with reference to the |
associative character OF the animal ia question, |
namely that besides its subterranean home. il |
or prepares lairs in the vicinity of !
-he fishing ground. Audubon found three
lduit otters IN grass-lined nest constructed !
within the trunk of decayed tree. lie states |
hat its use was unknown TO him. but supposes |
{ TO have probably been a sleeping place dur
ng the day.
Whether or not Lutrinm display that devo-
Jon to their offspring which is so strikiagly |
exhibited by their allies of the sea- the author |
ioes not know ST. John. however. having |
captured young otter upon one of the High |
and iochs, its mother followed for some dis |
snce, showing signs of great distress aud |
niger, until being completely foiled in her /
purpose OF intimidating the hunter, he records |
he fact that she actually made an attack upon |
Iim.
To be coniinusdl
Politeness Without H. turns.