THE MOUSE.
THE MOUSE.
This little creature we all know, because it eats our cheese, and tries all the good things in the larder, we keep a cat to catch it: yet it is very pretty. It hides itself in the walls and under the floors; and in these places it sometimes lays up a considerable store of provision for future subsistence. Its food is various; and, as it is able to pass through a very small hole, there are few places secure from its approach. It seems a constant attendant on man, and is to be found only near his dwelling. Its sight and hearing are extremely acute: and as soon as it observes the least motion, or hears the slightest noise, it listens attentively, sitting erect on its hinder feet; and, if the alarm continues, it runs in haste to its retreat. But if it be gradually encouraged, and nourishment and security are offered, it will, by degrees, lose those fears. An instance is related of a Mouse that made its appearance every day at the table of its benefactor, and there waited until it had received its usual portion of food, which it devoured, and then ran away. Some few of this species are of a pure white colour; but whether they be a permanent kind, or only an accidental variety, cannot well be determined.
THE MOLE.
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.