THE SLEPEZ. 343 



roots of some tree or bush, and from which its tunnels 

 radiate in all directions. 



A figure of the Mole is given on Cut 18. 



That the title of blind is often applied, though 

 wrongly, to the Mole, is familiarly known. That 

 animal, however, does possess a pair of veritable eyes, 

 very tiny, but still eyes, may be seen by blowing 

 away the fur. 



But in the Slepez, sometimes called the Mole Rat 

 (Spalax typJdus), the external eyes are absolutely 

 wanting, being represented by a couple of little black 

 specks under the skin. The Slepez, like the Mole, 

 passes a subterranean life, and seems never to come to 

 the surface of the earth except to bask in the sun. Even 

 in that case, it imitates the worm in remaining close 

 to its burrow, into which it plunges at the least alarm. 



There is one great distinction between the Mole 

 and the Slepez. The food of the former is wholly of 

 an animal nature ; while that of the latter is, as far as 

 is. known, wholly of a vegetable nature. As the Mole 

 feeds upon the worms which it captures under ground, 

 so does the Slepez feed upon the roots of plants ; both 

 animals procuring their food without showing them- 

 selves above the surface of the ground. Whether or 

 not the Slepez can be reckoned as beautiful, is a 

 mooted point. That the Mole is one of the most 

 useful wild animals in our country is now recognized ; 

 inasmuch as it does not damage the crops j and it; 

 renders inestimable service in admitting air and rain 

 into the earth, as well as bringing fresh soil from 

 below, and placing it on the surface, where it acts as 



