NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



TheBlesmol andMoleRat are undoubtedly destruc- 

 tive in cultivated fields, as their diet consists entirely 

 of roots, bulbs, tubers and the stalks of grov^ing crops. 

 They are especially destructive in potato fields. 



They possess voracious appetites, and devour 

 a considerable amount of provender on the spot, 

 and carry quantities away to their storehouses 

 underground. Like the porcupine, they spoil more 

 than they actually devour by their habit of gnawing 

 a small portion of the substance and discarding the 

 remainder, which rapidly rots. In this way a few 

 of these mole-like rodent animals will do extensive 

 damage in a potato field. 



The Blesmols, Mole Rats and Sand Moles are 

 classified in the family Bathyergid^ and are divided 

 into two genera, viz. Bathyergus and Georychus, 



Their bodies are wonderfully adapted to their 

 underground mode of life. Like the Golden Moles, 

 the ancestors of these mole-like animals enjoyed 

 life above ground, but changing conditions of 

 climate, and an increase in the number of their 

 natural enemies, impelled them to seek sanctuary 

 underground, until in course of time the habit was 

 established, and in consequence their bodies became 

 adapted to the new life. The eyes being no longer 

 necessary in the case of the Mole in its subterranean 

 existence, became rudimentary, and are now but 

 the veriest vestiges ; and the tail being a hindrance, 

 vanished. In the true Mole of Europe the stump 

 still remains. 



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