510 
an artifice which onr eUg antes have not yet thought of, and we 
think it our duty to bring it to their notice. 
Moles inhabit the temperate regions of the old and new 
continents, though they are most numerous in Europe. Three 
species are known : the Common Mole, of which there are several 
varieties ; the Blind Mole, so named in consequence of its eyes 
being reduced to little openings which are no more visible than 
the point of a pin,— it inhabits Italy ; lastly, the Woogura Mole, 
a native of Japan. 
Genus Astromyctes . — The Astromyctes, North American animals, 
greatly resemble the Moles ; but the fore parts of their bodies are 
much more developed in comparison with the hind parts ; the 
tail is also longer and bushier, and their snout is terminated by 
membranous appendages which have the figure of a star. Their 
habits are the same as those of the Mole. The only species known 
is the Star-nosed or Radiated Mole. 
Genus Scalops . — It is particularly by the dental system that the 
Scalops are distinguished from the Moles. They have only thirty- 
six teeth, twenty of which are in the upper jaw, and sixteen 
in the lower. Their tail is very short and completely naked. 
They are fond of living near water, and are constantly found in 
marshy places or near streams. In this respect they differ much 
from the Moles, but their habits otherwise are much the same. 
Genus Chrysocliloris .- — The animals of this genus are the repre- 
sentatives of Moles in South Africa. Their aspect is very singular. 
They have only the rudiment of a tail, and their snout, abruptly 
truncated, is far from being so much developed as that of the 
Mole. On first casting our eyes upon one of these creatures 
nothing is to be seen but an unshapen mass, the nature or habits 
of which could not be imagined ; but on careful examination the 
limbs are seen, which scarcely reach beyond the body, and are 
terminated in front by three toes, armed with enormous curved 
and sharp claws, and behind by five toes, as in the other genera 
of this family. The toes of the fore-feet have the peculiar shovel- 
like disposition noticed in the Moles. 
The pelage of the Chrysochlores offers that iridescent play of 
colours which is only found in birds and fishes, and to this cir- 
cumstance they owe the name of Golden Moles, which was given 
them last century. 
