THE STORY OF THE MOLE. 265 



inconvenient in a field of standing grass, as they impede the process of 

 mowing. From these and other circumstances, farmers and gardeners gen- 

 erally unite in a war of extermination against the mole, although there can 

 be no doubt but that in many respects its visits are a distinct advantage to 

 its destroyers. 



The golden or Cape moles are so different from all others of this group 

 that they are referred to a distinct family. They are entirely confined to 

 South Africa, where they are represented by about seven species, and are 

 commonly termed moles by the colonists. 



In appearance these animals have some resemblance to the moles, but 

 they have shorter and thicker bodies, with a deeper and blunter snout. The 

 whole form is, however, admirably adapted for tunneling through the 

 ground; since the eyfs are totally covered beneath the hairy skin, and the 

 minute ears are deeply buried in the fur. While the hind-feet retain a nor- 

 mal form, the fore-feet have been specially modified for the purpose of 

 digging, having only four toes, of which the two central ones are fur- 

 nished with enormous triangular claws of great power. The golden moles 

 derive both their popular and scientific names from the brilliant metallic 

 luster of the fur, which shows various tints of green, violet, or golden bronze; 

 the brilliancy of these metallic hues being much intensified when the skin is 

 immersed in spirit. 



The runs are made so near the surface of the ground that the earth 

 is raised above the tunnel, which can accordingly be followed with ease 

 in all directions. When one of the moles is seen to be at work, owing 

 to the movements of the soil, it can readily be thrown up on to the surface 

 by the aid of a stick or spade. The food of the golden moles consists mainly 

 of earth-worms. 



