“A mole!” repeated her husband: “Oh, bring it to us, then. This little animal, Arthur, will serve as an instance of what I was saying; for no creature can be more exactly suited to its mode of life.”
“How, sir?” inquired Arthur.
“In the first place,” returned Mr. Mansfield, “you should be informed that the mole lives almost constantly under ground; as its food consists of worms and little insects that it finds in the earth. It is therefore necessary for it to be able to work its way through the earth; and if you examine it well, you will find it admirably constructed for that purpose.”
“Indeed,” said Arthur, “I see nothing very particular in it.”
Mr. Mansfield. Look at its fore-feet. They are broad, strong, and short; not set straight from the body, but inclining a little sideways. By means of this position, it is enabled, as it burrows its way, to cast off the mould on each side, so as to make for itself a hollow passage in the middle. Their breadth likewise serves the purpose of hands, to form their nests, scoop out the earth, and seize their prey. The form of the body is equally well contrived. The fore part is thick and strong, so that it can dig its way with wonderful quickness, either to pursue its prey or to escape from its enemies; whilst the hinder parts being small and taper, enable it to pass easily through the loose earth that the fore-feet had flung behind.
“It is of a clean black colour,” said Charles; “and the hair is short, thick, and very soft.”
“True,” said Mr. Mansfield. “And the skin is so tough that it would require a sharp knife to cut it. It is not therefore liable to be injured by flints, or other stones that it may meet with in its passage under ground. Now let me see which of you can find its eyes.”