12 



AuAMS, On the Mole {Talpa europcBo). 



three feet in diameter, but I have measured one 15 inches 

 in height and five feet in diameter. 



Fig. 14. — (/.— Downshaft. 

 A— Turf. 



The nest-cavity is roughly spherical, about the size of 

 a large cottage loaf, and quite smooth from constant 

 friction and use. The nest, which completely fills the 

 nest-cavity, is a ball of grass or leaves or a mixture of 

 both. 1 have found a nest made entirely of dead beech 

 leaves, others entirely of dead oak leaves, and when it is 

 remembered that this material must all be brought in 

 by the mouth the amount of labour required can be 

 appreciated. When the nest is taken out bodily, it has 

 to be unwound (if made of grass) to find the centre. 

 There is never a hole apparent, and not only is the nest 

 always found closed when the young are within, but in 

 all cases, even when old and long deserted. When dr}' 

 grass is not obtainable fresh green grass is used, which 

 soon withers and gets dr}' with the heat of the mole's bod}-. 

 The inside of the nest is warm to the touch when the 

 animal has not long quitted it. When a nest containing 

 young is found it is invariably infested with fleas and 

 mites. 



