THE MOLE 



95 



animal not only to dig, but to throw the soil behind it, 

 which it does with incredible speed. When it commences 

 to burrow, the Mole seems literally to sink into the ground. 

 The hinder limbs do not possess the strength of the fore- 

 feet, and are used only for progression. 



In the Mole it is the canine teeth that are most promi- 

 nent, instead of the incisors, as in the hedgehog. It is a 

 very popular belief that it possesses no eyes. Examination 

 shows that this is a mistake ; but the eyes are exceedingly 

 small, and retracted beneath the fur, well out of danger 

 from particles of earth as it is flung up by the forepaws. 

 Though it has no external ears, which would be in the way, 



SKELETON OF THE MOLE. 



its internal ones are particularly acute, and its taste and 

 smell are similarly well developed. 



The skin is extremely tough, upon which the short hairs 

 grow perpendicularly, forming a close-set, velvety fur, 

 absolutely smooth, whichever way it is stroked or brushed. 

 This peculiarity provides that in moving backwards or 

 forwards in the underground galleries the coat remains 

 perfectly clean and free from soil. Though usually black 

 in colour, there are exceptions ; sometimes the fur is 

 yellowish white or grey, and more rarely it is all white. 



The home of the Mole is constructed with infinite care 

 and skill. The accompanying illustration shows a hillock 

 of earth, supported by partitions or pillars at regular dis- 

 tances. In this are two circular galleries, one above the 

 other, with five connecting passages. The central chamber 



