FEBRUARY. 39 



buds. The catkins of the hazel become very 

 conspicuous in the hedges. Young leaves are 

 budding on the gooseberries and currants about 

 the end of the month. 



What are called Dissected Leaves, i. e. leaves 

 of which the cuticle and cellular membranes 

 have been decomposed by the active influence 

 of wintry rains, winds and frosts, leaving only a 

 curious network of the veiny fibres, are, about 

 this season, found blowing about in our path, 

 particularly in woods, and strongly attract the 

 attention of young people, who frequently at- 

 tempt imitations of them by the application of 

 vinegar or other acids to leaves yet undecom- 

 posed. 



Moles go to work in throwing up their hil- 

 locks as soon as the earth is softened. Under 

 some of the largest, a little below the surface 

 of the earth, they make their nests of moss, in 

 which four or five young are found at a time. 

 These animals live on worms, insects, and the 

 roots of plants. They do much mischief in gar- 

 dens, by loosening and devouring flower-roots ; 

 but in the fields they seem to do no other harm 

 than rendering the surface of the ground un- 

 equal by their hillocks, which obstruct the scythe 

 in mowing. They are said also to pierce the 

 sides of dams and canals, and let out the water. 

 Of this latter charge we should be doubtful. 



