140 



COMMON MOLE. 



dated, it has been seen to swim with great vigour \ 

 and instances are known of its making its way to 

 islands in lakes and rivers. 



The males are more numerous than the females, 

 and the former sometimes engage in desperate com- ' 

 bats. The number of young produced at a birth 

 raries from three to seven, and the period of par- 

 turition is from April to the end of summer ; but 

 whether more than one litter is produced in the 

 year has not been ascertained. The nest is gene- 

 rally found beneath a large mole-hill, and is formed 

 of a mass of leaves, grass, fibrous roots, and other 

 vegetable substances. 



When a young Mole accidentally comes to the 

 surface, it runs about as if lost, and is unable to 

 make its way into the ground. One which I ob- 

 tained in the middle of June ran with its body con- 

 siderably raised, its tail elevated, its fore feet touch- 

 ing the ground only by the inner two claws, the 

 palms directed backwards, its head close to the 

 surface. It endeavoured to insinuate itself into any 

 cavity or crevice that came in its way, and buried 

 its head among the thick grass and roots of shrubs. 

 It evidently could not see, for it ran directly against 

 objects, and in its haste often tumbled over on its 

 back, but quickly regained its proper position. 



By destroying vast quantities of worms and 

 grubs, the Mole may be considered as conferring a 

 benefit on the agriculturist ; and by perforating the 

 soil, and throwing up the earth, it has been by some 

 alleged to improve the natural pastures^ especially 



