formed indeed rather by the compression of the
earth into the sides, than by excavation; and
hence it is very smooth and compact, being tra-
versed several times every day. Its width, too, is
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FORTRESS OF THE MOLE.
greater than that of the mole’s body. A passage from the central chamber descends perpendicu- larly, and rising at some distance from the fortress enters the high road. From various points in the basal gallery, about nine other passages stretch out like the spokes of a wheel, but all these curve round, and enter the high road at various dis- tances. It is worthy of observation, that the con- necting passages of the galleries and the chamber, never open opposite each other. In this curious abode the Mole resides during the summer, and from it, he perforates the surrounding domain by
