The Mole. 



47 



the fore-limbs is given, so that the reader may 

 compare the bones with those of the bat, which have 

 already been described and figured. 



The structure of the long and flexible snout is 

 well calculated to aid the mole both in digging and 

 also in ascertaining the nature of the soil in the 

 places which it selects for its burrows ; for, though 

 sensitive and possessing a keen sense of touch, it is 

 of great service in shovelling out the loosened earth 

 a task for which it is further suited in some species 

 by the possession of a small auxiliary bone in the 

 tip. This auxiliary bone is also found in the snout 



Common Mole. Bones of Fore-limbs. 



of the pig, which in its wild state procures a con- 

 siderable portion of its food by means of the digging 

 powers of that member. 



While the animal is living, the snout is of a 

 pinkish colour, and of a very elastic nature ; it is a 

 curious fact that, after death, it becomes hard and 

 wrinkled, and not even the most experienced taxi- 

 dermist can restore it to its pristine appearance. 



Even the fur of the mole is arranged in such a 

 manner as not to impede its progress while passing 

 either backwards or forwards along its burrow. In 



