MOLES AND SHREWS. 



587 



Order 3. Insectivora. In the moles the incisors, the 

 'Canines, and molars are well developed, and the molars have 

 the crown surmounted by conical projections called cusps. 

 The fore feet are plantigrade, with large claws, and the en- 

 tire limb is short, thick, mus- 

 cular, and fossorial, i.e., adapted 

 for burrowing in the soil (Fig. 

 508). The shrews comprise 

 the smallest mammals. Nearly 

 all are nocturnal, burrowing 

 under the surface, and never 

 seen by day ; consequently, 

 their eyes are small, and most- 

 ly hid under the fur ; while the 

 ears are small and concealed by 

 the hair. 



The shrews are mouse-like, 

 having feet of the normal form, 

 and a long nose. In our com- 

 mon shrew (Sorex platyrhinus Wagner, Fig. 509), the nose 

 is long, and the tail shorter than the head and body. 



The genuine moles are the characteristic forms of the 

 order ; the most peculiar being the star-nosed mole, Condy- 



Fig. 508. Bones of fore leg of a 

 Mole. 52, the cubital scapula; 53, 

 Immerus ; 54, ulna ; 55, radius. Af- 

 ter Owen. 



"uuucaOLS.se. 



Fig. 509. Common Shrew. After Cones:. 



lura cristata Linn., which occurs from the Atlantic to the 

 Pacific Ocean, while the common mole (Fig 510) is abundant 

 in the Eastern United States. 



A flying form with a superficial resemblance to the bat, and 



