THE MOLE. 
5 
first to get into the lower gallery, to ascend thence to the upper 
gallery, and so descend into the keep. 
There is, however, another entrance into the keep from below. 
A passage dips downwards from the centre of the chamber, and 
then, taking a curve upwards, opens into one of the larger 
tunnels, or high roads, as they have been appropriately termed. 
It is a noteworthy fact, that the high roads, of which there are 
seven or eight, radiating in different directions, never open into 
the gallery opposite one of the entrances into the upper gallery. 
The Mole, therefore, is obliged to turn to the right or left as 
soon as it enters the domicile, before it can find a passage to 
the upper gallery. 
By continual pressure of the Mole’s fur, the walls of the 
passages and the roof of the central chamber become quite 
smooth, hard, and polished, so that the earth will not fall in 
even after the severest storm. 
Wonderful as is this subterranean habitation, it is not the 
only one which is constructed by the animal. It may be well 
adapted to a solitary individual, but it is not at all suited for a 
family, for whom a more extended nursery must be provided. 
The nursery is much simpler than the habitation, consisting 
merely of a large chamber, in which is laid a considerable mass 
of dried grass, the young blades of corn being sometimes em- 
ployed for that purpose. The Mole chooses for this purpose 
the spot where two or more passages intersect each other, so 
that in case of alarm, the mother and young may escape in the 
direction which seems farthest removed from danger. This 
nursery is almost invariably placed at some distance from the 
fortress. 
About the middle of June, or commencement of July, the 
Moles begin to fall in love, and are as furious in their attach- 
ments as in all other phases of their nature. At that time, two 
male Moles cannot meet without a mortal jealousy, and they 
straightway begin to fight, scratching, tearing, and biting with 
such insane fury, that they seem to be unconscious of everything 
but the heat of battle. Not content with fighting in their 
burrows, they often emerge into the open air, and may then be 
