THE MOLE. 



it can sink wells for the purpose of quenching its thirst. It is, 

 indeed, a most interesting animal, and our comparatively small 

 knowledge of its habits gives promise of much that is yet to be 

 made knowa 



Take the Mole out of its proper sphere, and it is as awkward 

 and clumsy as the sloth when placed on level ground, or the 

 seal when brought ashore. Eeplace it in the familiar earth, and it 

 becomes a different being, — full of life and energy, and actuated 

 by a fiery activity which seems quite inconsistent with its dull 

 aspect and seemingly inert form. Tlie absence of any external 

 indication of eyes communicates a peculiar dulness to the crea- 

 ture's look, and the peculiar formation of the fore limbs gives an 

 indescribable awkwardness to its gait. 



I have always taken much interest in this animal, and have 

 watched many of its habits, as far as can be done under the very 

 untoward circumstances that always must exist when the animal 

 to be watched is essentially subterranean in its habits. The 

 Mole cannot develop its nature unless it is buried below the 

 surface of the ground, and when it is there, we cannot see it. 

 Many marine and aquatic animals can be tolerably watched by 

 placing them in the aquarium ; but when they take to burrowing, 

 they put an effectual stop to investigation. 



To catch a living Mole without injuring it is not an easy task, 

 and when it is caught, the duty of supplying it with food entails 

 so severe a labour, and necessitates such very early rising, that 

 no one can hope for success who does not combine perseverance, 

 patience, and resolution. 



Dull and sombre as the Mole appears to be, it is by far the 

 fiercest and most active mammal within the British Isles. Indeed, 

 so remarkable is it for both those qualities, that I doubt whether 

 the great ferae of tropical climates can equal it eitBer in ferocity, 

 activity, or voracity. We need not pity the Mole for the dull 

 life which we suppose it to lead below the ground. There the 

 Mole is happy, and there only can it develop its various capa- 

 bilities. We must not judge other beings by ourselves. We are 

 apt to envy the swallow for its sunny flight through the air in 

 chase of flies, and to pity the Mole for its darkling passage 

 through the earth in chase of worms. Yet, there is no doubt 

 but that both beings receive equal pleasure in carrying out the 

 object of their exi.stence, and that the Mole feels no less gratifica- 



