NATURAL HISTORY. 253 



stantaneously, an asylum to itself, of extending it, and 

 of obtaining, without the necessity of relinquishing it, 

 an abundant subsistence. 



The mole shuts up the entry to its retreat, which 

 it seldom deserts, unless forced to it by heavy rains in 

 summer. It is fond of cultivated grounds, and is ne- 

 ver to be found in those which are either muddy, hard, 

 compact, or stony. It requires a soft soil, well sup- 

 plied with esculent roots, and with insects and worms, 

 of which, indeed, its principal nourishment consists. 



As these animals very seldom come above ground, 

 they have but few enemies ; and very readily evade- 

 the pursuit of animals stronger and swifter than them- 

 selves. The chief calamity which befals them is an 

 inundation ; and when this happens, they are seen in 

 numbers attempting to save themselves by swimming, 

 and using every effort to reach the higher grounds. 

 The greatest part, however, perish, as well as their 

 young, which remain in the holes. Were it not for 

 such accidents, from their great fecundity, they would 

 become extremely troublesome. They generally have 

 four or five at a time ; and it is easy to distinguish 

 among other mole-hills, that in which the female has 

 brought forth her young. These are made with 

 much greater art than the rest ; and are usually larger 

 and more elevated. I am apt to think that they pro- 

 duce oftener than once a year Of this I am certain, 

 that moles newly produced are found from the month 

 of April to the month of August; a circumstance 

 which, however, may be owing to their having been 

 engendered sooner or later in the year. 



^The hole in which they produce their young is 

 formed with singular skill, and merits a particular de- 

 scription. The female begins by erecting the earth 



