CHAPTER XLII 
MOLES AND SHREWS, BATS, REPTILES, AND AMPHIBIANS 
MOLES AND SHREWS 
Moles and shrews are mouse-like creatures in general ap- 
pearance and size, but they have no relation to mice, and | 
their feeding habits are very different. They comprise a 
distinct group of animals called insect-eaters and live almost 
exclusively upon the diet indicated by that name. They 
therefore render a great serv- 
ice in clearing the land of 
cutworms, grubs, and other 
insect pests, but their merits 
are not so generally recog- 
nized as they should be. 
They are often blamed for 
the damage done by the in- 
sects they destroy, and their 
resemblance to the mice also 
leads to wrong inferences. 
The Moles are squatty, awkward-looking animals with 
fine, soft, and velvety gray fur; with a long, pointed nose, 
extending half an inch beyond the mouth and reminding one 
of an elephant’s trunk; without a neck; with exceedingly 
short front legs, but very large, broad hands that are always 
held with the outer edge up and palm outward; with a short 
tail; and apparently without ears and eyes. The ears are 
so short that they are entirely concealed beneath the fur; 
408 
Common MoLe 
