MOLE 



Upperparts. — The soft, close fur, resembling velvet in that 

 it has no "set" and may be brushed either backward or for- 

 ward, is blackish brown in color, varying in different lights 

 from brownish to silvery gray; muzzle naked; feet and tail 



Fig. 3. Common Mole 



whitish; tail thick and practically naked; fur neutral gray at 

 base, 



Underparts. — Slightly paler than above, and usually tinged 

 with brown on chest. 



Young. — The young, which are very seldom seen in the 

 early stages, soon take on the appearance of the adults, but 

 while real small are grayer than adults. 



In summer, specimens are somewhat paler than in winter. 

 The molt follows a definite sequence, the fresh pelage coming 

 in first on the breast and abdomen, and gradually replaces 

 the worn pelage below. Above, the new fur appears first 

 posteriorly and works forward. The chin and throat usually 

 retain the old pelage longest. As a rule the line of demar- 

 cation between fresh and worn pelage is quite obvious. 



Measurements. — Total length, males, 7.2 inches, females. 



