LETTER XXXVII. 



those of the swine, and is in some places called the-, 

 pig-mouse. 



THE MOLE 



is an animal which merits in no .small degree the at- 

 tention of the naturalist; for being destined to a sub- 

 terraneous life, its conformation is admirably adapted 

 to its peculiar mode of providing subsistence. It pos- 

 sesses in an eminent degree, the senses of hearing and 

 smelling; of which the former gives it notice of the 

 approach of danger, and the latter enables it to find 

 its prey in the obscurity of its dwellings under the 

 surface of the ground. It is not destitute of sight as- 

 has formerly been supposed : its eyes indeed are ex- 

 tremely small ; but it is more than probable that they 

 are so formed as to admit distinct images of the dimi- 

 nutive objects of its pursuit. The wisdom of the Cre- 

 ator is evidently and invariably displayed in the 

 adaptation of each creature to its'particular mode of liv- 

 ing, of which we have in this curious little quadru 

 ped a remarkable instance. While the mole enjoys 

 that perfection of hearing and smelling, so necessary 

 to its peculiar mode of living, its optics appear per- 

 fectly adapted to its contracted sphere of vision. The 

 piercing eye of the eagle would, to this animal, be 

 not only useless but manifestly inconvenient. 



The whole form of its body, but particularly the 

 construction of its fore feet, are admirably adapted to 

 the purpose of inaking its way in the earth with faci- 

 lity; They are destitute of hair, and have a broad 

 palm, almost resembling a hand ; but they are fixed, 

 so close to the body that the animal can scarcely be 

 said to have any legs. It remains almost incessantly 

 under ground, and if it happen to be surprised on the 

 surface, it burrows in an instant. 



The skin of the mole is remarkable for its beauty, 

 and if converted to a proper use, would probably be 

 not less estimable for its value. We are indted in- 

 formed that an ingenious gentleman of Newcastle has 

 discovered a method whereby the exquisitely fine fur 

 of this hitherto despised anhnal may possibly become 

 ef great importance to the public. Being incorporal- 



