FAMILY TALPID^S ; MOLF. 197 



sated by the high development of the senses of smell and hearing, 

 which are much more adapted to communicate information to it 

 in its subterranean abode. The body of the Mole is nearly 

 cylindrical in form, and is thus evidently adapted to move readily 

 through its tunnels ; it is covered with a very soft thick fur, 

 the hairs of which are inserted vertically in the skin, and lie 

 smoothly in every direction, so as not to offer more resistance to 

 the backward than to the forward movement of the animal. 

 The form of the anterior limbs, and the powerful muscles with 

 which they are furnished, enable the animal not merely to dig 

 through the soil, cutting through the roots, &c., which may tra- 

 verse it ; but also to throw backwards with great energy the 

 earth which has been removed at each stroke. The hind limbs 

 are small, and the feet feeble, in comparison with the anterior ; 

 but they serve to enable the animal to run through its galleries 

 with great rapidity. The food of the Mole consists chiefly of 

 earth-worms and the larvae of insects ; in search of which 

 it makes a large part of its extensive subterranean excava- 

 tions. But it is not confined to these ; for during the sum- 

 mer months it not unfrequently leaves its runs under the turf, 

 and wanders during the night upon the surface (occasionally 

 also during the day), in quest of prey, such as birds, mice, frogs, 

 lizards, snails, &c. ; and during these nocturnal excursions, it not 

 unfrequently falls a prey to the Owl. It is an extremely vora- 

 cious animal, taking a large quantity of food at a time, and so 

 soon requiring more, that a short fast proves fatal. Its hunger 

 amounts to rage ; and under the influence of this passion, it 

 fastens on its prey with intense eagerness. It is fierce and com- 

 bative in its disposition ; and will attack and devour its fellows, 

 if confined with them, without a due supply of food. The verjr 

 remarkable excavations made by the Mole, which are formed 

 upon a regular plan, and have several distinct purposes, will be 

 described in that portion of the Treatise, which will be parti- 

 cularly appropriated to the Habits and Instincts of Animals. 



176. There are a few other animals, in different quarters of 

 the globe, which correspond with the Moles in general structure 

 and habits, but which differ from them in some important features. 



