44 



VERTEBRATA. MAMMALIA. 



THE MOLE (Talpa Vulyaris). 

 SUB-ORDER II. INSECTIVORA.* 



This group comprises a few familiar animals of 

 small size, usually nocturnal, and more or less sub- 

 terraneous. Such as inhabit cold climates usually 

 pass the winter in a state of lethargy. Their feet 

 are short, and in walking the whole sole is placed on 

 the ground. The number and position of the teeth 

 differ in the different genera, but all have grinders 

 with conical points. The Hedgehog, (Erinaceus,) so 

 well defended by its coat of spines, the Shrews, 

 (Sorex,) the victims of absurd superstition, and the 

 Mole, (Talpa^ "that runneth underneath," belong 

 to this family. The last, however, (Talpa Vulgarisj) 

 demands a rather more extended notice, as well on 



* Insectum, an insect, and voro, to devour. 



