MOLE

A species of the genus Ta/pa (which see), common in this country and other parts of Europe. This quadruped exhibits in perfection that modification of structure by which the Mnmmiferous animal is adapted to a subterranean life. Its head is long, conical, and tapering to the snout, which is strengthened by a bone, and by Strong gristles worked by powerful muscjes. The body is almost cylindrical, thickest behind the head, and gradually diminishes to the tail. There is no outward indication of n neck, that part being enlarged to the size of the chest by the ma ive muscles which act upon the head and fore-legs. These, which are the principal instruments by which the mole excavates its long and intricate burrows, are the shortest, broadest, and Strongest, In proportion to the size of the animal, which are to be met with in the Mainmiferous cla . The rapidity with which the mole can make its way through a favourable soil is such, that it may be said to swim in the earth; and, since it must displace matter so much denser than water, so do its fore-limbs display a mechanism correspondingly superior in strength to the analogous extremities or pectoral fins of the dolphin. The food of the mole contain 763 [s. 777]