498 



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. From the nest there runs a tunnel to 

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

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

 mole-hills and tlie subterranean passages having faUen in are 

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

 thi.s area is marked by a depression in the soil. There are two 



Fin. 255.— A, Skull, and b, Shoulder Girdle of iloLF.. 



c, CniTJUs; rf, clavicle^; /, falciform bone; h, luimenw ; mc, nietacavpu.s ; ph, plial- 

 .iiiges ; r, radius ; ii, ulna ; sr, .scapula ; si, .sternum ; i, incitui^ ; c, canines ; f? Btla.<i • 

 at, axis ; n, tlnril cervical, (.\fter 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 tlic 

 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 luixious 

 grubs. Some authorities say they store up earthworms in deep 

 iirm- -walled depressions for winter food and food for the youn<'. 

 The ycjung 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 tlio earth- 



