474 



MAMMALIA. 



there is not more than two inches of humus over the chalk, 

 and where moles are abundant. The nest is placed under a 

 heap of earth, and consists of a large round space lined with vege- 

 table matter ; this central space is surrounded by other smaller 

 chambers and passages. Prom the nest there runs a tunnel to 

 the place where the insects, such as wireworm, abound ; the 

 walls of this tunnel are firm and compressed. The chains of 

 mole-hills and the subterranean passages having fallen in are 

 certain indications of the mole's feeding-ground : its passage to 

 this area is marked by a depression in the soil There are two 



Fig, 223. — A, Skull, and b, Shoulder Girdle of Mole. 



c, Carpus ; cl, claviole ; /, falciform bone ; h, Immerus ; mc, metacarpus ; ph, phal- 

 anges ; r, radius ; m, ulna ; sc, scapula ; st, sternum ; i, inciLurs ; c, canines ; a, atlas ; 

 at, axis ; vi, third cervical. (After Thomas.) (Brit. Mus. Cat.) 



separate chambers for living and breeding in. The latter is 

 often lined with fur. The depth of the tunnels varies with the 

 season, according as to whether the wireworms and earthworms 

 are near the surface or deep down. The mole hunts winter 

 and summer, and does inestimable good by devouring noxious 

 grubs. Some authorities say they store up earthworms in deep 

 firm-walled depressions for winter food and food for the young. 

 The young moles are born in June and July; the number of 

 each litter varies from five to seven. Not only do they hunt 

 underground, but they may often be found tracking the earth- 



