506 
MAMMALIA. 
on the same floor as the radiating galleries ; then it passes into 
some one of the five conduits, which ascend obliquely towards 
another circular gallery of a smaller circumference than the first, 
and placed a little higher ; lastly, it penetrates the fortress by 
the only entrance to the dwelling, and which opens into the latter 
gallery. We say the only entrance, so far as the upper gallery 
is concerned ; but there exists another, diametrically opposite. 
This abuts on the lower part ; it is the head of a tunnel, which is 
strongly inflected below the line of the other works, and which 
afterwards rises to open into one of the principal communications 
that concentrate in the animal’s retreat. 
What is the meaning of this complicated labyrinth P This is 
a point which has not yet been solved. The most probable 
supposition is, that the excavator forms it to elude more easily 
the pursuit of its enemies. 
The Mole works at all seasons, exhibiting most energy in 
spring. During a great portion of the year it lives a solitary 
life, but in the months of March and July it seeks a mate. After 
their interview each reassumes its solitary habits. The female 
only goes with young a short time, and usually brings forth four 
or five, sometimes not so many, and which, when compared with 
the size of the mother, or the size which they themselves after- 
wards attain, are extremely large at birth. 
The Mole always arranges a comfortable asylum for the recep- 
tion of its progeny, and tends them with much solicitude. This 
nursery is situated in the most elevated part of its domain, and 
most frequently at the junction of several galleries. The roof 
of this apartment is sustained by pillars at equal distances from 
each other, and forms a large dome, the internal face of which 
has been well beaten, so as to make it resist the infiltration of 
water. The ground is covered by a thick layer of herbage and 
leaves ; and here dwell the young creatures so long as they are 
in capable of seeking their own food. 
The aliment of the Mole is chiefly composed of insects and 
earth-worms ; but it also eats Snails, and even the dead bodies 
of small mammals and birds. They are likewise partial to 
Frogs. 
The fact is apparent that the Mole is eminently carnivorous. 
Perhaps no animal, even among the most redoubtable Felidae, 
