MOLES AND SHREWS. 587 
Order 3. Insectivora.—In the moles the incisors, the 
canines, and molars are well developed, and the molars have 
the crown surmounted by conical projections called cusps. 
The fore feet are plantigrade, with large claws, and the en- 
tire limb is short, thick, mus- 
cular, and fossorial,7.e., adapted 
for burrowing in the soil (Fig. 
508). The shrews comprise 
the smallest mammals. Nearly 
all are nocturnal, burrowing 
under the surface, and never 
seen by day; consequently, 
their eyes are small, and most- 
ly hid under the fur; while the 
ears are small and concealed by 
the hair. 
The shrews are mouse-like, 
having feet of the normal form, 
and a long nose. In our com- 
Fig. 508.—Bones of fore leg of a 
Mole. 52, the cubital scapula; 53, 
humerus; 54, ulna; 55, radius.—Af- 
ter Owen, 
mon shrew (Sorex platyrhinus Wagner, Fig. 509), the nose 
is long, and the tail shorter than the head and body. 
The genuine moles are the characteristic forms of the 
order ; the most peculiar being the star-nosed mole, Condy- 
Fig. 509.—Common Shrew.—After Coues. 
dura cristata Linn., which occurs from the Atlantic to the 
Pacific Ocean, while the common mole (Fig 510) is abundant 
in the Eastern United States. 
A flying form with a superficial resemblance to the bat, and 
