The Mole

The mole is a very curious animal in its appearance and in its manner of living. It is almostalways under ground, and we should think that the little creature could not be very happy; but itsskin is as smooth and handsome as that of any animal, and it seems very well contented with itsdark home. God made it to live there, and he has given it just such a body at it needs. It iscovered with fine, short, silky hair, almost like soft velvet, so that the earth does not stick to it;and its legs are very short, so as not to be in the way. If its legs were long it could not getthrough the ground very well, you know. Its eyes are very small, because it does not need to seemuch, and they are almost buried too under its soft fur, which keeps out all the dust and dirt. The opening of the ear is covered in the same way, so that nothing can hurt it.

Its fore-paws are made broad like a shovel, and are very strong; each one, too, has five shortfingers with which the earth can be removed. The nose is sharp and bony, and this helps themole to work its way through the earth. They throw up the earth when they make their housesunder ground, and in this way mole-hills are made. They like to work at morning and evening,and also after a shower, when the earth is damp and soft, and easily moved.

The mole is larger than a mouse, but not as large as a rat. It eats insects and worms, andsometimes the roots of plants.

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