26 



Adams, O71 the Mole ( Talpa europcsa). 



as six, whereas there are eiglit {Fig. 28). This is curious, 

 as the maximum number in a Htter appears to be seven, 

 but may be accounted for by the fact that the mammary 



Fh. 28. 



glands are mere fasciae, hardly noticeable, and are spread 

 over a larger surface of the body than usual, to allow the 

 mole more freedom of action. I have never seen the fur 

 surrounding the teats worn away by the sucking young, 

 as is the case with rats, &c. 



The average number of young in a litter works out 

 at rather more than 3^. The smallest number that I have 

 ever found in a pregnant female is two, which is very 

 rare, and the greatest number is six, which is also very 

 occasional. I have heard of seven. 



The following table gives my personal records : — 

 Number of litters containing 2 ... 4 



I have not been able to discover whether copulation 

 takes place above or below ground. I have frequently 

 trapped moles in their runs with evident signs of recent 

 copulation, and I think that if they came above ground 

 for this purpose they would become an easy prey for owls 

 and other enemies. The open surface runs termed 



