Fauna Italica. 85 



We were not surprised at this distinction of species, having long 

 suspected that the timid, half-domestic animal of the campagna of 

 Rome although our earliest acquaintance as the fox of iEsop and 

 Phaedrus, was of inferior caste to our noble reynard, which, in fact, 

 would scarcely acknowledge his congener if he knew his habits. So 

 cowardly are they, that our young countrymen at Rome, after esta- 

 blishing a pack of hounds, and struggling through several seasons 

 with the perseverance of John Bull in his favourite diversion, found 

 it impracticable to raise a run, and were forced to adopt the more 

 humble but sure mode of obtaining sport, by turning off a cur at 

 some distance from the city, and following him over hedge and ditch 

 as he made his way back to his hovel. We speak feelingly on this 

 subject, as it was a serious inconvenience to those whose avocations 

 obliged them occasionally to use the steeds of the Piazza del Popolo, 

 which were constantly either engaged at double prices, or lamed in 

 consequence of their exertions at the Caccia Inglesa. 



We are indebted to Professor Savi of Pisa for the interesting 

 discovery of the species of mole which is beyond doubt the AffTaXaf 

 of the ancient Greeks, and has the appearance and reputation of 

 being blind, whence the appellation, Talpa coeca, has been confer- 

 red on it. 



In general external character and appearance there is no diffe- 

 rence between this species and the T. Europsea, which infests our 

 fields. The Professor considered it to be smaller, but his specimens 

 were brought from the high Apennines, where in all probability food 

 is more scarce than in the plains, and the Prince has found that in 

 a number of specimens taken in the campagna of Rome there was 

 no difference in this respect. 



There is a small dissimilarity in the dentition, which we should 

 scarcely look for in species differing so little as these two. In T. 

 Europaea the incisors are all equal, but in T. coeca, the two anterior 

 teeth are longer than the others. The striking distinction, however, 

 is in the eye being covered entirely by an unperforated bare skin, 

 through which the black is seen on close inspection. At first sight 

 it would appear that this skin would preclude the power of vision; 

 but we have no doubt whatever, that the animal possesses the power 

 of dilating this membrane, and, however imperfect, has the light ne- 

 cessary for its use, when it choses to extend it. It is highly pro- 

 bable the vision is as good as that of its congener, whilst the eye is 

 better protected. It may not be easy to prove, but we think it not 

 impracticable to ascertain exactly whether it be so, and Ave wish the 

 Professor had proved his mole to be blind before he conferred an ap-^ 



