COMMON MOLE. 139 



its pursuit is the earth-worm, but it also feeds on 

 larvae, and is said occasionally to devour frogs, 

 lizards, and even birds. Its voracity is excessive, 

 insomuch that hunger urges it to exhibit a kind 

 of fury, and it is found to perish in a very short 

 period if deprived of food. It is said to drink 

 frequently also, and to form passages to brooks or 

 ponds in the vicinity of its residence. During 

 winter, when the cold forces the worms deeper into 

 the ground, it follows them to their retreats, driving 

 its galleries and alleys to a corresponding depth. 



But although thus doomed to a life of incessant 

 labour, its peculiar organization renders its occupa- 

 tions not more painful to it than are those of the 

 Woodpecker, which one might, without due consi- 

 deration, imagine to be incompatible with enjoy- 

 ment. Doubtless, however, the greatest pleasure 

 that an animal can enjoy, is in the free and full 

 exercise of its faculties ; and that the Mole is not 

 overtasked is proved by its general vigour and high 

 condition. During winter it retires at intervals lo 

 its fortress, in which it has formed a bed of dry 

 leaves or grass, to enjoy a profound repose ; but in 

 spring it quits this habitation, and rests during the 

 warm season in a mole-hill. 



On the surface, to which it sometimes makes its 

 way, it can run with considerable speed, but, if not 

 in the immediate vicinity of its hole, is easily over- 

 taken. It is more especially in the early part of the 

 day that it is thus occasionally met with. When \ 

 meadow which it has frequented has been inun- 



