COMMON MOLE. 519 
in some parts of Languedoc), and, lastly, the 
spotted Mole, which is variegated either with 
white or tawny spots or patches. 
The Mole brings four or five young, for which 
she makes a very commodious nest, being, ac- 
cording to BufFon, guarded with a compages of 
the roots and fibres of plants, all around and above 
it, so as to prevent any water from penetrating; 
and around it, in a radiating direction, are seve- 
ral sloping holes, for the parent to go out at, in 
quest of food for herself and her offspring. These 
nests are to be found in the month of May, and 
are distinguished by a more elevated appearance 
above-ground than that of the hillocks formed by 
the usual exertions of the animal. BufPon adds, 
that in the nest are often found the remains of 
the root of colchicum or meadow-saffron, and 
which he, therefore, supposes to be the first food 
given to the young: this root is excessively acri- 
monious, msomuch that, when fresh, a slice held 
in the mouth will in a manner benumb the tongue, 
and render it rigid and void of sensation for some 
hours; and less than the quantity of a grain ta- 
ken internally produces the most violent effects. 
This, however, forms no objection to the suppo- 
sition of Buffon, since it is well known that many 
animals will feed with the most perfect impunity 
on substances which would exert the most malio-- 
nant effects on the human frame, as well as on 
that of most other creatures. 
The greatest misfortune that befals the Mole 
is, the sudden overflowing of rivers, when they 
