464 
Vermin of the Farm. 
is oue whicli at the present day is still obviously characteristic, 
and indicative of the creatures’ mode of life. Indeed, we have 
only to examine a mole attentively to see how admirably its 
structure is adapted to its habits. 
Spending most of its time underground as it does, in tunnels 
of its own construction, we note first that the cylindrical form of 
its body must facilitate progress in its burrows ; secondly, that 
the ears, having no external conch, are not liable to be filled 
with the crumbling soil which is displaced as it works its way 
underground ; thirdly, that the fur being inserted pei’pendi- 
cularly to the surface of the skin, will lie in any direction, and 
does not prevent a retrograde movement in the tunnel should 
a retreat in that direction become necessary ; fourthly, that the 
fore-limbs, short, broad, and spade-shaped, are admirably suited 
for digging ; and, fifthly, that the prehensile snout and long 
jaws, set with sharp teeth, are adapted for seizing, holding, and 
masticating the earthworms and insect larvag upon which it 
chiefly preys. 
Keenness of sight not being required in the darkness of its 
underground chambers, that sense is reduced to a minimum of 
development ; but, contrary to popular belief, the animal is not 
blind, although the eyes are very minute, and completely buried 
in the fur which surrounds them. 
The sense of smell, on the other hand, is believed to be well 
developed, to promote the detection of its food, its enemies, and 
its own kind. The sense of hearing, too, is very keen ; it takes 
alarm at the slightest sound, and will not come forth until all is 
still again. The mole is not mute, as many people imagine, 
but, especially when alarmed, can utter a loud and shrill 
squeak. 
Everyone knows, generally, that the mole spends most of 
its time underground ; that it forms “ runs ” or “ galleries ” on 
a more or less definite plan, with a chamber or cavity to live 
in, and another for the reception of its young. 
These facts, which have been described in detail by the 
French naturalists Le Court and Geofiroy 6t, -Hilaire, will be 
familiar to readers of Bell's British Quadrupeds, in which work 
will be found (p. 122, 2nd ed.) a plan of the mole’s encampment. 
It is not our intention to go over the same ground again in 
different words, but rather to touch briefly upon such traits in 
the life history of the mole as have been overlooked by previous 
writers, and especially to consider the question of its utility or 
harmfulness in regard to agriculture. 
As a rule, perhaps, it may be asserted that the mole is 
partial to light soils, which are easily worked, such as old 
