TALPID^ 259 



Open the way. The action of Moles in burrowing is entirely differ- 

 ent from that of gophers (Thoiiwinys) , being analogous to swim- 

 ming instead of digging. They burrow through loose soil very 

 rapidly. 



Moles are sometimes troublesome in irrigated gardens 

 through the water following the runs. Occasionally they do a lit- 

 tle damage by breaking the roots of plants as they force their way 

 along the rows of plants searching for grubs, but this damage 

 is usually more than offset by the benefit in destroying injurious 

 insects. They are very hard to trap, a special trap being necessary. 

 By watching where they are working they can be thrown out with 

 a shovel thrust in behind where the dirt is seen to move, but one 

 must tread lightly, for Moles are shy and their hearing is good, 

 notwithstanding they have no external ear. 



Scapanus calif ornicus truei Merriam. (For F. W. 



True.) 



MODOC MOLE. 



Similar to calif ornicus but paler, clear plumbeous; rostrum 

 more slender; last upper premolar with a distinct inner cusp. 



Length of type specimen 170 mm. (6.70) inches) ; tail ver- 

 tebrae 34 (1.33) ; hind foot 21 (-83). 



Type locality. Lake City, Modoc County, California. 



Genus Neurotrichus Gunther. (New — tail — hair.) 

 Body spindle shaped; eyes small, concealed in fur, not cov- 

 ered by a membrane; front feet moderately broad; tail about half 

 as long as head and body, thinly haired, constricted at base; skull 

 flattened; palate ending even with last molars; first pair of upper 

 incisors moderately large. 



Dental formula, I, 3—3 ; C, i— i ; P, 2— 2 ; M, 3— 3'X=36. 



