RAT KIND. 201 



greater ease ; in such also it generally finds the 

 greatest number of worms and insects, upon which 

 it chiefly preys. It is observed to be most active, 

 and to cast up most earth, immediately before 

 rain, and in winter before a thaw : at those times 

 the worms and insects begin to be in motion, and 

 approach the surface, whither this industrious ani- 

 mal pursues them. On the contrary, in very dry 

 weather the mole seldom or never forms any hil- 

 locks ; for then it is obliged to penetrate deeper 

 after its prey, which at such seasons retire far into 

 the ground. 



As the moles very seldom come above ground, * 

 they have but few enemies ; and very readily 

 evade the pursuit of animals stronger and swifter 

 than themselves. Their greatest calamity is an 

 inundation j which whenever it 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 behind. Were it not for such accidents, 

 from their great fecundity they would become 

 extremely troublesome ; and, as it is, in some 

 places they are considered by the farmer as his 

 greatest pest. They couple towards the approach 

 of spring ; and their young are found about the 

 beginning of May. 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 



* Buffon. 



. 



