506 MAMMALIA. 



on 



the same floor as the radiating galleries; then it passes into 

 some one of the five conduits, which ascend obliquely towards 

 another circular gallery of a smaller circumference than the lirst, 

 and placed a little higher ; lastly, it penetrates the fortress by 

 the only entrance to the dwelling, and which opens into the latter 

 gallery. We say the only entrance, so far as the upper gallery 

 is concerned ; but there exists another, diametrically opposite. 

 This abuts on the lower part ; it is the head of a tunnel, which is 

 strongly inflected below the line of the other works, and which 

 afterwards rises to open into one of the principal communications 

 that concentrate in the animal's retreat. 



What is the meaning of this complicated labyrinth ? This is 

 a point which has not yet been solved. The most probable 

 supposition is, that the excavator forms it to elude more easily 

 the pursuit of its enemies. 



The Mole works at all seasons, exhibiting most energy in 

 spring. During a great portion of the year it lives a solitary 

 life, but in the months of March and July it seeks a mate. After 

 their interview each reassumes its solitary habits. The female 

 only goes with young a short time, and usually brings forth four 

 or five, sometimes not so manj', and which, when compared with 

 the size of the mother, or the size which they themselves after- 

 wards attain, are extremely large at birth. 



The Mole always arranges a comfortable asj'lum for the recep- 

 tion of its progeny, and tends them with much solicitude. This 

 nursery is situated in the most elevated part of its domain, and 

 most frequently at the junction of several galleries. The roof 

 of this apartmer t is sustained by pillars at equal distances from 

 each other, and forms a large dome, the internal face of which 

 has been well beaten, so as to make it resist the infiltration of 

 water. The ground is covered by a thick layer of herbage and 

 leaves ; and here dwell the young creatures so long as they are 

 incapable of seeking their own food. 



The aliment of the Mole is chiefly composed of insects and 

 earth-worms ; but it also eats Snails, and even the dead bodies 

 of small mammals and birds. They are likewise partial to 

 Frogs. 



The fact is apparent that the Mole is eminently carnivorous. 

 Perhaps no animal, even among the most redoubtable Felidas, 



