OTTER
.—This is called an amphibious animal, living (to a certain degree and length of time) with as much seeming ease in the water, as he does upon land. It is, however, well ascertained, that he cannot exist long under the water, without occasionally reaching the surface for necessary respiration. The favourite and principal food of the otter is fish, of which he consumes, or rather destroys, a very considerable quantity in the neighbourhood of wherever he fixes his residence. This is formed under ground, in the bank of river or lake, and constructed with so much precaution, circumspection, and sagacity, that not without great difficulty can it be discovered. Although fish, in the genial months of summer, are known to be his pleasurable pursuit, and chief subsistence, yet, in the severe and frosty season, he is not without his alternatives, and will then condescend to make a repast upon some one or other of the smaller animals with which the fox indulges himself at all seasons of the year.