140 ORDER IV. 



there is no external ear ; but the eyes are very 

 small, or even wanting. 



Genus TALPA, Linn. Moles Proper. Dent, 

 form, incis. , can. 4 mol. if, = f f = 44. The 

 canines have two roots like premolars, and these are 

 four above and three below on each side, beside the 

 three true molars on each side in both jaws. The 

 females have six mammaB. The jaws are not robust, 

 and subsistence depends on insects and a few tender 

 roots, which is the cause of the devastations it is 

 accused of in our fields and gardens. 



T. Europcea. The Common Mole, well 

 known with his pointed snout, scarcely perceptible 

 eyes, cylindrical form, velvety-black fur, and short 

 hairy tail ; it measures nearly six inches in length, 

 exclusive of the tail ; has a small shrill voice ; is 

 domestic and peaceful with its family in the bur- 

 row, but fierce when meeting others above ground. 

 In captivity, moles will tear and eat one another ; 

 and, according to Sir Thomas Brown, a mole kept 

 in a large glass case, with a viper and a toad, killed 

 and partly devoured both. They swim remarkably 

 well, although often drowned during inundation. 

 The females bring forth four or five young, which 

 are carefully nestled in the burrow, and well sup- 

 plied with dried roots ; and it is asserted, that they 

 feed on those of Colchicum, or meadow saffron, a 

 plant which even in very small quantities, produces 

 on man the most violent and even dangerous effects. 



It is probable, that the mole in higher latitudes 

 hibernates, although it if not known to become 



