Meles. MAMMALIA. FERA. 9 



11. T. europcea. — The fur of this well known animal is 

 usually black, but it is occasionally found in all the interme- 

 diate stages to yellowish- white. 



E, Mold-wark; 5, Muddywort; W, Gwadd, Twrch-daear; G, Famh, 

 Uir-reathabh — Not in Orkney or Zetland. 



The mole, destined to live chiefly under ground, is furnished with very 

 small eyes. It constructs its gallei-ies or roads three or four inches below the 

 surface, in soil frequented by worms, which are its principal food. The roads 

 are scooped out by the fore paws, and the earth, thus removed, is thrown up, 

 at intervals, by the nose, and forms those unseemly hillocks which are so of- 

 fensive to the gardener and farmer. Moles usually cast their winter fur 

 in May, before which time they have paired. The hillock in which they 

 bring forth their young is distinguished by its superior size. The nest con- 

 sists of dry roots or leaves placed on an eminence, in an arched chamber, 

 from which roads diverge in different directions. The young are five in num- 

 ber, and at birth are naked and blind. The individuals of the family general- 

 ly keep together until the following spring, or breeding season ; so that a 

 trap set in one of the principal roads of the colony, will frequently catch 

 the whole seven in succession. They have usually a well frequented path to 

 the water, if a ditch be in the neighbourhood. They swim with ease, and 

 cross rivers, or shift from one island to another. They are most active a little 

 after sunrise, and an hour or two after noon ; and before rain in summer and 

 thaw in winter. The fur is used in hat-making. 



11. The second incisor, on each side in the lower jaw, placed 

 behind the others. The three hinds of 'grinders distinct. 

 Clavicle imperfect. 



Gen. VII. MELES. Badger. — Incisors six in each jaw. 

 Above, the tusk is followed by one small and two large 

 tearers, to which succeed one chewer followed by a large 

 bruiser. In the lower jaw, the bruiser is small, the chewer 

 large, and there is an additional tearer. — See Phil. Zool. 

 ii. p. 181. tab. i. %. 2. 



12. M. Taxus. — Hair rigid, grey above, black beneath ; 



head above white, with a black band on each side from the nose 



over the eyes to behind the ears. 



E, Gay, Pate, Bawson ; S, Brock ; W, Pryf-Llwyd, Pryf-pen-frith 



Frequent in thickets, and probably not found to the north of the Ca- 

 ledonian Canal. 



The usual length of the badger is about 24 feet, and of the tail C inches. 

 Weight seldom exceeds 30 lb. The ears are small, the tongue smooth, and 

 the nails are long, bent, and grooved beneath. A transverse glandular pouch 

 occurs between the tail and vent. It burrows in the ground, forming several 

 apartments with one common entry. Feeds on frogs, lizards, wild honey, 

 and even roots. In confinement, I have seen it devour greedily crows and 

 rabbits, and likewise eggs, of which it seemed very fond, licking out the con- 

 tents with its tongue. It is probably a general depredator, lloams about 

 during the night in quest of prey, and in the winter season seldom moves 

 from its den, but remains in a quiescent state. It brings forth five young at 

 a birth. Is easily tamed, indolent and fond of warmth. When attacked, 

 seeks for safety in flight, but, when compelled, fights obstinately, biting hard. 



