THE MOLE. 85 



tant. The chamber is placed within the lower, and 

 beneath the upper circular gallery, to which last it has 

 access by three similar passages. From the chamber 

 extends another road, the direction of which is at first 

 downwards for several inches it then rises again to 

 open into the high road of the camp. From the outer 

 circular gallery there are about nine other passages, the 

 orifices of which are never found opposite to those 

 which connect the outer with the inner and upper gal- 

 lery ; these extend to a greater or less distance ; and 

 are saH to return, each taking an irregular route, and 

 opening into the high road at various distances from 

 the fortress. Nothing can be more admirably calcu- 

 lated to secure the safety or retreat of the inhabitant ; 

 while the structure thus formed may rival those of the 

 beaver, which have attained so much celebrity. 



The principal road differs from all the other routes 

 and excavations, both in its construction and use. It 

 extends from the main dwelling to the end of the dis- 

 trict in nearly a direct line, forming, in fact, the passage 

 between the fortress and the different parts of the camp ; 

 and the alleys which lead to the spot where food is 

 pursued, open into it on each side. It is larger than 

 the body of the mole, but not large enough to allow of 

 two passing each other. The walls are beaten by the 



