ORDER OE INSECTIYORA. 
503 
We will divide this order into three families, each composed of 
a certain number of genera, which, again, are grouped around a 
typical genus : the families of Moles, Shrew Mice, and Hedge- 
hogs. 
Mole Family. — This family comprises four genera, which are 
closely allied to each other : the Moles, properly called, the Astro 
myctes, the Scalops, and the Chrysochlores. We will only speak 
in detail of the first, which is the best known ; limiting ourselves 
to pointing out the differences which separate the other three. 
Fig. 220. — Common Mole (Toly a europea). 
Genus Mole . — The Mole is a burrowing animal par excellence. 
Its entire organisation testifies to its mining instincts. Its 
anterior members, very short and strong, are terminated by large 
hands, with a sharp inner border, and the palm of which is 
rough and callous, and turned outwards in such a manner as to 
permit the animal, when excavating, to throw the rubbish to the 
right and left. The digits, five in number, are scarcely apparent ; 
yet terminated with long and powerful claws. With regard to the 
posterior members, whose action is less immediate and decisive, 
