BRITISH MAMMALS 
used when hunting for worms. The ground occupied by the female 
is said to possess no chief highways, having only runs branching in various 
directions. Within the breeding stronghold or nursery is placed the 
nest of leaves and grass in which the young are born, in April or May. 
These are four or five in number, but may be more or less. 
The Mole leads an active strenuous life, with short intervals for repose, 
and being usually hungry eats enormous quantities of food. One I kept 
in confinement for a short time consumed large numbers of worms, and 
was so keen and ravenous that it would allow me to stroke its fur while 
feeding. After a meal it would rest for a time, apparently asleep. It 
seemed very sensitive to any sudden noise, and visibly started if I made 
a slight squeaking note with the lips. 
During a hot and dry spell of weather in summer Moles may often 
be seen above ground. 
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