2,02 



AIAALMALS OF AMERICA 



the tunnels are but five or six inclies below the 

 surface ; but they have been found at a depth 

 of four feet or more, undoubtedly the result of 

 the Mole pursuing worms and insects into 

 moister regions. The Common Mole seldom 

 leaves its tunnels, of which there are two lines, 

 one above the other. Mr. Jackson thinks the 

 u])per tunnel may be used but once, during the 

 animal's hunt for food, but that the main one 

 may be used for a considerable time. 



In the northern half of its range, the young 

 of the Common Mole are born hairless, in March 



auctions. These were largely from the Euro- 

 pean Mole ; but the American skins are equally 

 good, and. when from the colder districts, pos- 

 sibly better. 



The fur is always verj' clean, which is to be 

 wondered at when we think of how much of his 

 time is s])ent in forcing his way through the 

 earth. The fact that he is not soiled by contact 

 with the earth is explained when we examine 

 his fur. Instead of the hairs being large at the 

 bottom and tapering toward the outer end, or of 

 even thickness throughout, as in other animals. 



•s. - 





"f^. - ^ 



COMMON MOLE 



Though one of our commonest animals, little is generally known about this mysterious prowler — one of 



the most voracious of all living things 



or April: in the southern half, later. There is 

 probably only one litter annually, and this varies 

 from two to five, the usual number being four. 

 The nest is about five or six inches in diameter 

 and usually twelve to eighteen inches below the 

 surface. Most frequently it is placed imder 

 roots of shrubs or pasture grass and is made of 

 grass and rootlets, but occasionally i>artly of 

 leaves. 



The fur. which is luolted twice a year, is soft 

 and velvet-like. It is in considerable demand 

 for trimmings and garments, li' 1013 there 

 were 1.455,124 moleskins sold at the London 



they are small where they leave the skin and 

 increase toward the center, growing smaller 

 again at the outer ends. This is the reason his 

 fur is not ruffled by being rubbed in any direc- 

 tion, and explains why it does not take up the 

 earth as readily as the hair of other animals does. 

 P.ut there is still another reason why " dust does 

 not stick to him." Under the Mole's skin there 

 is a muscle-membrane, and from time to time 

 he moves this muscle violently so as to shake the 

 earth from his fur. 



Moles are very quarrelsome and frequently 

 fight when they meet. .'\ graphic account of 



