Class L MOLE. '29 



exhibit a mod ftriking proof of the fitnefs of their 

 contrivance. 



The breadth, ftrength, and fliortnefs of the fore- 

 feet, which are inclined fideways, anfwer the ufe as 

 well as form of hands ; to fcoop out the earth, to 

 form its habitation, or to purfue its prey. Had 

 they been longer, the falling in of the earth would 

 have prevented the quick repetition of its ftrokes in 

 working, or have impeded its courfe : the oblique 

 pofition of the fore-feet, has alfo this advantage, 

 that it flings all the loofe foil behind the animal. 



The form of the body is not lefs admirably con- 

 trived for its way of life : the fore part is thick 

 and very mufcular, giving great ftrength to the 

 a6lion of the fore-feet ; enabling it to dig its way 

 with amazing force and rapidity, either to purfue its 

 prey, or elude the fearch of the moft adive enemy. 

 The form of its hind parts, which are fmall and 

 taper, enables it to pafs with great facility through 

 the earth, that the fore-feet had flung behind ; for 

 had each part of the body been of equal thicknefs, 

 its flight v/ould have been impeded, and its fecurity 

 precarious. 



The fl^in is moft exceflively compa6l, and fo tough 

 as not to be cut but by a very (harp knife: the hair 

 is very fliort, and clofe fet, and fofter than the fmcii. 

 filk : the ufual color is black -, not but that there are 

 inftances of thefe animals being fpotted*, and a 



* FJzv, 26^, 



creme 



