OBSERVATIONS ON THE MOLE. ^35 
the open side of the box was secured by a piece of wire- 
grating. The mole, however, did not relish this sort of 
confinement, and endeavoured to escape through the aper- 
tures of the wire. After some slight experimental attempts 
with its snout and fore-feet, it at length placed the latter 
^between the perpendicular bars of wire, and turning them 
.outwards, in the direction it employs them when di^ng, 
it inserted its sharp snout between the feet in the manner 
of ^ wedge, and, by a simultaneous exertion of its muscular 
force, bent the wires with great ease. The manner of its 
attempt struck me at the time, on account of its singular 
combiijatipn of mechanical powers. The insertion of its 
head between the feet gave it the power of a wedge, while, 
^t the same time, it served as a fulcrum for the lateral ex- 
ertion of the strength of the short limbs. It repeated this 
so often, when repulsed 3-t one place going to another, 
that the greater part of the wires were bent ; and, seeing 
no hope of confining it in this manner, and it having ac- 
quired the sympathy of the little spectators in its exertions 
for liberty, it was resolved to set the prisoner free, and tp 
restore it to its native vale again^ which was done the same 
night. 
Two years after, I brought home another mole one 
isvening, in autumn ; but not having the same convenience, 
it was placed in a large earthen jar^ in the bottom of which 
was a quantity of dry earth. Worms were procured, and 
the mole fed in the same manner a^ before, though by 
candle-hght, Jt burrowed in the earth freely, and came 
up for the worms Avhich were laid down ; but it was un- 
fortunate that the earth happened to be quite dry, for, 
whether from this circumstance, or owing to its confinement 
in the jar, and being kept covered up in the atmosphere of 
a room, it was found dead next morning on the surface of 
the soiL 
