THE OTTER AND HER YOUNG ONES. 117

cod-fish, of which it would in a short time catch large
numbers.

When wearied by its efforts, nothing would induce it
to re-enter the water. At such times it received a part of
the produce of the sport for its own share; and after having
satisfied itself, it would fall asleep, and was generally in
that condition carried home, to begin its labours on another
day.

Though you may be very young and small, you may, if
you try, help those much older and bigger than yourself.

 

THE OTTER AND HER YOUNG ONES.

I HAVE another story about an otter, which lived in the
Zoological Gardens in London. The otter-pond, enclosed by
a wall, was on one occasion only half-full of water, when the
otter for whose use it was intended had a pair of young ones.
Happening to fall into the water, they were unable to climb
up the steep sides of the pond. The mother, afraid that they
would be drowned, tried in vain, by stooping over the wall, to
drag them out. At last she jumped in, and after playing with
them for a short time, was seen to put her head to the ear of
one of the little creatures. This was to tell her child what she
wanted it to do. Directly after, she sprang out of the pond,
while her young one caught hold of the fur at the root of her
tail; and while it clung tightly to her, she dragged it out, and
placed it safely on the dry ground. She then again plunged
in, and in the same.way dragged out her other young one.

I am very sure that your parents will help you out of any