FIEL D- MICE — HA MSTER — MOL E 



215 



Mole. 



Besides the rodents only the insect-eaters are represented among 

 the European mammals of the held, and of these the most important 

 is the mole (Talpa ev/ropoea), which, inhabits most of the northern and temperate 

 countries of Europe, and extends across Asia to Japan, preferring plains to 

 mountains, although found up to the farthest limits of agriculture — for instance, 

 in the Scottish highlands up to 1000 feet, and in the Alps almost up to 

 5500 feet. In south Europe there is a distinct species, Savi's mole (T. cceca); 

 while the neighbourhood of Rome is the home of the third species (T. romana ), 

 distinguished by its large teeth, as well as by certain peculiarities in the 

 form of the skull. 



THE MOLE. 



Of all the subterranean animals of Europe the mole is the most skilful in 

 constructing its habitation, which is generally situated in a place almost in- 

 accessible from the outside, under roots of trees or alongside walls, and generally 

 at a long distance from the hunting-ground, which is crossed by numerous and far- 

 reaching passages, connected with it by a long, tolerably straight gallery, and 

 recognisable from outside merely by the large heap of loose earth thrown up 

 during excavation. The dwelling-place was formerly considered to be a very 

 complicated structure, but is now known to be much simpler. It comprises a large 

 central chamber, provided with an entrance-tunnel, and at least one " emergency 

 exit." The burrow of the mole generally lies from 1 to 2h inches below the ground, 

 and its walls, as well as those of the passages leading to it, are closely and solidly 

 pressed together. The principal chamber, lined with soft grass, young corn, 



