THE COMMON MOLE. 



young Rats. M. de BufFon was of opinion that 

 Moles bring forth more than once in the year ; at 

 least, he says,, it is certain that young ones are to 

 be met with at different times from April to 

 August. This, however, may arise from the 

 period of their production being uncertain; or, as 

 in a few other animals, the Moles may,, perhaps, 

 produce a second litter, where the first has by some 

 accident been destroyed. 



The skins of Moles were in former times held in 

 considerable estimation. They were used for the 

 linings of winter garments, made into covers for 

 beds, and into hats. In England they seem at pre- 

 sent to be thought of little value. 



Persons who earn their subsistence by destroying 

 Moles, make their chief attacks in the spring of the 

 year, and particularly about the month of March, 

 when the animals are much more active than at any 

 other season. They are in the fields before sun- 

 rise ; for about that time, the earth and grass may 

 be frequently seen to move in the places where 

 Moles are at work. When this is the case, the 

 mole-catcher has nothing more to do than cut off 

 the retreat, by striking a spade into the ground 

 immediately behind, and then to dig them up. 



Where a fresh mole-hill is observed by itself, 

 and appears to have no communication with any 

 other, (which is always the case when a Mole has 

 worked from the surface downwards,) it should be 

 turned up with a spade, and a quantity of water 



should 



