174 HABITATIONS OF ANIMALS. 



The habitations where Moles deposit their young, merit a 

 particular description ; because it is constructed with pecu- 

 liar intelligence, and because the mole is an animal with 

 which we are well acquainted. They begin by raising the 

 earth, and forming a pretty high arch. They leave partitions, 

 or a kind of pillars, at certain distances, beat and press the 

 earth, interweave it with the roots of plants, and render it so 

 hard and solid, that the water cannot penetrate the vault, on 

 account of its convexity and firmness. They then elevate a 

 little hillock under the principal arch ; upon the latter they 

 lay herbs and leaves for a bed to their young. In this situa- 

 tion they are above the level of the ground, and, of course, 

 beyond the reach of ordinary inundations. They are, at the 

 same time, defended from the rains by the large vault that 

 covers the internal one, upon the convexity of which last 

 they rest along with their young. The internal hillock is 

 pierced on all sides with sloping holes, which descend still 

 lower, and serve as subterraneous passages for the mother to 

 go in quest of food for herself and her offspring. These by- 

 paths are beaten and firm, extend about twelve or fifteen 

 paces, and issue from the principal mansion like rays from 

 a centre. Under the superior vault we likewise find remains 

 of the roots of the meadow saffron, which seem to be the first 

 food given to the young. From this description it appears, 

 that the mole never comes abroad but at considerable distances 

 from her habitation. Moles, like the beavers, pair, and so 

 lively and reciprocal an attachment subsists between them, 

 that they seem to disrelish all other society. In their dark 

 abodes they enjoy the placid habits of repose and of solitude, 

 the art of securing themselves from injury, of almost instanta- 

 neously making an asylum or habitation, and of procuring a 

 plentiful subsistence without the necessity of going abroad. 

 They shut up the entrance of their retreats, and seldom leave 

 them, unless compelled by the admission of water, or when their 

 mansions are demolished by art. 



The nidification of Birds has at all times called forth the 

 admiration of mankind. In general, the nests of birds are 

 built with an art so exquisite, that an exact imitation of them 

 exceeds all the powers of human skill and industry. Their 

 style of architecture, the materials they employ, and the situ- 

 ations they select, are as various as the different species. 

 Individuals of the same species, whatever region of the globe 

 they inhabit, collect the same materials, arrange and construct 

 them in the same form, and make choice of similar situations 



