Hillside. 143 



at once how common this strange little quadruped is about 

 here. With its short, strong neck and its elongated snout, 

 the latter distinctly ridged along the upper, and grooved 

 along the lower surface, without external ears, and with ex- 

 tremely small and well-protected eyes, we can readily under- 

 stand how well-adapted the creature is for the life it leads. 



FIG. 30. THE MOLE'S HOME. 



Its short, broad, front feet, almost destitute of hair, are emi- 

 nently suitable for digging, whilst the hind feet are not 

 specially developed ; but the whole muscular development 

 of the forepart of the body is very striking. Its fur is ex- 

 ceedingly thick, glossy, and soft, so as to offer but little 

 resistance when tunnelling under ground. 



We see that every part of the mole's anatomy is of 



