OEDEE OF INSECTIVOEA. 



503 



"We will divide this order into three families, each composed of 

 a certain number of genera, which, again, are grouped around a 

 typical genus : the families of Moles, Shrew Mice, and Hedge- 



hogs 



Mole Family. — This family comprises four genera, which are 

 closely allied to each other: the Moles, properly, called, the Astro 

 myctes, the Scalops, and the Chrysochlores. We will only speak 

 in detail of the first, which is the best known ; limiting ourselves 

 to pointing out the differences which separate the other three. 



Fig. 220. — Common Mole {Talpa europca). 



Genus Mole. — The Mole is a burrowing animal ^jc/r excellence. 

 Its entire organisation testifies to its mining instincts. Its 

 anterior members, very short and strong, are terminated by large 

 hands, with a sharp inner border, and the palm of which is 

 rough and callous, and turned outwards in such a manner as to 

 permit the animal, when excavating, to throw the rubbish to the 

 right and left. The digits, five in number, are scarcely apparent ; 

 yet terminated with long and powerful claws. With regard to the 

 posterior members, whose action is less immediate and decisive. 



