gar} 
VI. Odfervations on the Mole, and the Means of extirpating 
‘Bat deftruétive Animal. From Economifche Hefte, 
Vol. VIl. Part 5. and Vol, LX. Part 4. 
Tue great damage which moles occafion in cultivated 
land, and particularly in gardens, is well known; and the 
beft means of remedying this evil is by deftroying all thofe 
that make their appearance, as far as poffible. The fecrets 
which quacks fell for extirpating thefe deftructive animals 
are of very little avail; and even poifon produces no effect, as 
the mole does not drink, and lives only on roots and worms. 
In regard to gins and traps, the moles muft be enticed to 
them by fome kind of bait, which does not always produce 
the intended effect. Buffon advifes a trench to be dug 
around the hills under which they conceal themfelves, and 
thus to cut them off from all communication with the 
neighbouring ground. This method requires three or four 
people to dig trenches; and though it may prove effectual, it 
is attended with too much trouble. The other methods 
propofed by different naturalifts are neither eafier nor more 
certain *. 
It is well known that this animal lives under the earth ; 
and if at any time it comes forth from its holes, it is only 
when compelled to do fo, in confequence of large quantities 
of water accumulated after the heavy rains which fall in 
fummer, or when the earth is fo much parched and dried 
by the continued drought, that it can no longer continue its 
labour; but it again creeps back into the earth when it 
‘finds a fpot convenient for its purpofe. 
This animal, as already remarked, feeds upon roots and 
worms, and for this reafon is generally found in rich fertile 
foil; but never in that which is marfhy or ftony. In the 
* Valmont de Bomare recommends fuffecating them in their holes by 
meats of fulphur. Epir. 
winter 
