SPOTTED MOLE. 
of repose, and of solitude: the art of securing 
tliemselves from disquiet and injury; of in- 
stantaneously making an assylum or habita- 
tion, the dimensions of which they, can extend 
at pleasure; and of finding a plentiful subsist- 
ence, without the necessity of going abroad. 
These are the manners, the dispositions, and 
the talents,, of the Mole : and they are, un- 
questionably, preferable to talents more bril- 
liant, but more incompatible with happiness 
than the most profound security. The Mole 
shuts up the entrance of it's retreat ; and sel- 
dom leaves the spot, unless compelled by the 
admission of water, or when it's mansion is 
demolished. It makes a circular vault in the 
meadows ; and, generally, a long trench in the 
gardens: because it is easier to remove cul- 
tivated ground, than a turf rendered conipadl 
and solid by the roots of herbs. It continues 
not long in either a miry or hard stony soil ; 
but delights in a soft earth, stored with es- 
culent roots, and well peopled with worms 
and inse6ls, which constitute it's chief food. 
As Moles seldom leave their subterranean 
abodes, they have few enemie-s, and easilv 
elude, the carnivorous animals. The over- 
flowing 
