Charles. The eyes, the eyes! grandpapa, this mole must be without eyes!
Arthur. I would find them if I could, but it certainly has none.
Mr. Mansfield parted the hair, and pointed out two very small specks. “The smallness of the eyes,” said he, “is to this animal a peculiar happiness. Had they been larger, they would have been liable to frequent injuries, from the mould falling into them; and of what use would they be to him, when destined to pass his whole life where no light could reach him?”
Arthur. But then, sir, how do they see to get their food?
Mr. Mansfield. They do not see it, Arthur; they find it out by their smell, which as well as their hearing is very acute: so that, though nearly blind, they are not without the means of providing for their support, and of knowing how to avoid danger. The eye is, therefore, merely given them to let them know that they are out of the way when they see the light. The mole shows great art in skinning worms, which it always does before it eats them; stripping the skin from end to end, and squeezing out all the contents of the body. During summer they run in search of snails and worms, in the night-time, among the grass; which often makes them the prey of owls. Moles do a good deal of mischief in fields and gardens; because, by running under the earth, they loosen the roots of plants and corn. But yet they are of use, as every thing living is, in the grand system of Nature: their prey would without them so multiply, that they themselves would commit greater mischief than we fear from moles.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Return Home.
The next day was the day appointed for the young Bensons to return home. They rose earlier than usual, that they might have time to walk round the farm, and take a last look at the objects that had given them so much pleasure. They first went to the poultry-yard, and took with them some tares, to feed a pigeon that was grown so tame as to fly down when he saw them, and perch upon their heads. Their next business was to take leave of Plover the pony, for whom they had both conceived a great affection; for, after Charles’s fright, Mr. Mansfield had given them several lessons in riding, and they had learned to manage him tolerably well, and were exceedingly delighted with the exercise.
They were stroking him, and lamenting that they should have no more rides, when old Ralph came up.
Honest Ralph was much attached to his master, and was disposed to love his grandchildren for his sake; and their constant civility and good humour conspired to make them favourites.