INSECTIVOROUS MAMMALIA. 525 



§ 9. Insectivora. 



In the tribe of Insectivorous quadrupeds we meet 

 with several races which present singular confor- 

 mations. In none are these anomalies more re- 

 markable than in the mole, an animal which 

 nature has formed for subterranean residence, 

 and whose limbs are constructed with a view to 

 the rapid excavation of passages under ground. 

 The hands of the mole, for its fore paws almost 

 deserve that appellation, are turned upwards and 

 backwards for scooping the soil, while the feet 

 are employed to throw it out with great quick- 

 ness. These mining operations are aided by the 

 motions of the head, which is lifted with great 

 power, so as. to loosen the ground above, and 

 overcome the resistances that may be opposed to 

 the progress of the animal. That no impediment 

 might be offered to these motions of the head, 

 the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae 

 have not been suffered to extend upwards. 

 Large muscles are provided for bending the head 

 backwards upon the neck ; and they are as- 

 sisted by a cervical ligament of great strength, 

 which is generally in part ossified. The 

 muscles of the fore extremities are also of ex- 

 traordinary power. The scapula is a long and 

 slender bone, more resembling a humerus in its 



