MOLE. 19 



places his habitation in the most favourable spot in his canton- 

 ment ; he studies everything, and never does he make a mistake 

 except under circumstances which he has been unable to foresee, 

 such as continuance of rains, a flood ; then he makes up his 

 mind promptly, and establishes himself elsewhere. It is by 

 preference that he places his fortress in the foundation of a 

 wall, under a hedge, at the foot of a tree." 



Upon this Adams has the following comment : 



" With regard to a deliberate choice of ' the most favourable 

 spot ' after a survey of the cantonment by a practically blind 

 animal of the Mole's impatient disposition and subterranean 

 habits, there can be no question as to its absurdity." 



The male and female (Boar and Sow) appear to associate 

 only temporarily, the female being polyandrous and con- 

 structing her own nest-hill, which is smaller and of more simple 

 plan than the male's winter retreat and seldom has a bolt-run. 

 Her hunting tunnels are winding as compared with the long 

 straight runs of the male. The nest is a ball of leaves and 

 grass, all having to be carried in by the mouth. The chief 

 pairing season is at the end of March and beginning of April, 

 and the young are born about six weeks later. The number of 

 young in a litter varies from two to seven, the average is three 

 or four. They are blind, naked and pink, but before the fur has 

 begun to appear the skin has darkened to a bluish slate colour. 

 The eyes open about the twenty-second day. 



The Mole does not appear to be definitely hunted by any 

 enemy save man ! although killed by Weasels, Herons, Owls, 

 Fox, and Badger when they come across him. Adams thinks 

 that for all practical purposes the Mole may be considered 

 blind ; that if its eyes were not covered by fur the low position 

 of its head would prevent it seeing beyond an inch or so. He 

 is convinced that worms are hunted by scent. The Mole is an 

 excellent swimmer, and can attain to a similar speed in the 

 water to that of the Water Vole. 



