38o RECREATIONS OF A NATURALIST 



exert a force equal to a counterpoise of 2 lb, or 

 3 lb. It begins by sinking a vertical shaft, from 

 which, a little below the surface, it drives horizontal 

 galleries on either side. These galleries sometimes 

 extend a considerable distance, the little operator 

 working through all the roots that come in its way, 

 and as it prefers garden ground or other made soil. 



THE MOLE CRICKET AT WOEK. 



it often does a great deal of damage. As it is 

 found chiefly in peaty soil mixed with sand or clay, 

 as well as in soil which has acquired some con- 

 sistency by the application of manure, its presence 

 may be regarded as somewhat local. Gilbert 

 White found it haunting moist meadows, the sides 

 of ponds and banks of streams, and performing all 

 its functions in a swampy, wet soil. The Welsh 



