316 A Plea for the Moles. 
It is also worthy of observation that in constructing both its nest 
-and fortress, the mole is careful to place them in secure situations, 
where there is little chance of their being trampled in from above. 
They are generally covered with a large mound of earth, which is by 
some means consolidated to the required hardness, so as to be able 
to offer considerable resistance to pressure from without. Then in 
order that these several retreats should not be liable to injury from 
rain, they are made almost even with the ground, and at a higher 
level than the runs and passages which serve, on occasion, as drains 
or channels, to carry off the water. 
That the Mole is not dormant in winter, as Linnzus and others 
have supposed, we have ample evidence in the hillocks which are 
thrown up by this indefatigable labourer even during the most 
severe weather : indeed who has not noticed a fresh heap from time 
to time thrust up through the snow, more conspicuous then than at 
other times, from the contrast of colour? and who has not marvelled 
at the strength of the digger, as he looks upon a new-made mound 
of earth pushed up through the frozen ground? though at the same 
time with a wise appreciation of the economy of labour, this skilled 
workman will, at such seasons, wherever such a course is practicable, 
push the accumulated earth before him till he reaches the nearest 
hillock, and there thrust it through an old hole to the surface, rather 
than trouble himself to make a new one through the turf, as he 
would do, if the ground was soft. It is however in autumn that 
the principal excavations are effected, and the early morning, when 
all around is still, is the time which it prefers for its labours, though 
it will, on occasion, carry on its works at other times. So sensitive, 
too, is it to interruption, that the slightest sound or movement of — 
an approaching foot puts an immediate stop to the work, and no 
further excavation of the earth will be attempted that day, Itisa — | 
remarkable fact that it is able to burrow in wet miry ground no less 
than in dry earth, without soiling or even tarnishing the brightness 
of its glossy skin, but then we must remember that the earth is as 
natural to the short thick close fur of the mole, as the air is to the 
feathers of the bird, or the water to the scales of the fish. Moreover 
it is wonderful, if surprized above ground, how it contrives, almost 

