414 
THE STORY OF THE MOLE . 
inconvenient in a field of standing grass, as they impede the process of 
mowing. From these and other circumstances, farmers and gardeners gen¬ 
erally unite in a war of extermination against the mole, although there can 
be no doubt but that in many respects its visits are a distinct advantage to 
its destroyers. 
The golden or Cape moles are so different from all others of this group 
that they are referred to a distinct family. They are entirely confined to 
South Africa, where they are represented by about seven species, and are 
commonly termed moles by the colonists. 
In appearance these animals have some resemblance to the moles, but 
they have shorter and thicker bodies, with a deeper and blunter snout. The 
whole form is, however, admirably adapted for tunneling through the 
ground; since the eyes are totally covered beneath the hairy skin, and the 
minute ears are deeply buried in the fur. While the hind-feet retain a nor¬ 
mal form, the fore-feet have been specially modified for the purpose of 
digging, having only four toes, of which the two central ones are fur¬ 
nished with enormous triangular claws of great power. The golden moles 
derive both their popular and scientific names from the brilliant metallic 
luster of the fur, which shows various tints of green, violet, or golden bronze; 
the brilliancy of these metallic hues being much intensified when the skin is 
immersed in spirit. 
The runs are made so near the surface of the ground that the earth 
is raised above the tunnel, which can accordingly be followed with ease 
in all directions. When one of the moles is seen to be at work, owing 
to the movements of the soil, it can readily be thrown up on to the surface 
by the aid of a stick or spade. The food of the golden moles consists mainly 
of earth-worms. 
