COMMON MOLE. 519 



in some parts of Languedoc), and, lastly, the 

 spotted Mole, which is variegated either with 

 white or tawny spots or patches. 



The Mole brings four or five young, for which 

 she makes a very commodious nest, being, ac- 

 cording to Buffon, guarded with a compages of 

 the roots and fibres of plants, all around and above 

 it, so as to prevent any water from penetrating; 

 and around it, in a radiating direction, are seve- 

 ral sloping holes, for the parent to go out at, in 

 quest of food for herself and her offspring. These 

 nests are to be found in the month of May, and 

 are distinguished by a more elevated appearance 

 above-ground than that of the hillocks formed by 

 the usual exertions of the animal. Buffon adds, 

 that in the nest are often found the remains of 

 the root of colchicum or meadow-saffron, and 

 which he, therefore, supposes to be the first food 

 given to the young: this root is excessively acri- 

 monious, insomuch that, when fresh, a slice held 

 in the mouth will in a manner benumb the tongue, 

 and render it rigid and void of sensation for some 

 hours ; and less than the quantity of a grain ta- 

 ken internally produces the most violent effects. 

 This, however, forms no objection to the suppo- 

 sition of Buffon, since it is well known that many 

 animals will feed with the most perfect impunity 

 on substances which would exert the most malig- 

 nant effects on the human frame, as well as on 

 that of most other creatures. 



The greatest misfortune that befals the Mole 

 is, the sudden overflowing of rivers, when they 





