[Illustration:
THE MOLE.
]
This animal is mostly found in grounds where the soil is loose and soft,
and affords the greatest quantity of worms and insects, on which it
feeds. Destined to seek its food under the surface of the earth, it is
wonderfully adapted by the all-wise Author of Nature, to its peculiar
mode of living. It enjoys the sense of hearing and smelling in a very
eminent degree: but is almost void of sight. To an animal of such
habits, a larger degree of sight would be attended with great
inconvenience, as well as be liable to continual injuries. Its eyes are
extremely small, and completely hid in the fur. The form of this
creature’s body, and particularly the construction of its fore feet, are
admirably adapted to the purpose of making its way in the earth, which
it does with wonderful ease: these feet are quite naked, very broad,
with large palms, almost like a hand: there are five toes on each, with
strong nails at the end. The hind feet are very small, with five slender
toes and a small thumb on the inside. Whenever surprised on the surface
of the ground, the mole disappears in an instant.
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