Page 137 - Third Book of Reading Lessons

136 THIRD BOOK OF
reach of ordinary inundations. They are, at the same time, de nded from the rains by the large vault that covers the int nal one ; upon the convexity of which last they rest, along with their young. This internal hillock is pierced on al sides with sloping holes, which descend still lower, and serve as subter­ raneous passages r the mother to go in quest of od r herself and her o spring. These by-paths are beaten and rm, extend about twelve or fteen paces, ·and issue om the principal mansion like rays om a centre. Under the superior vault we likewise d remains of the roots of the plant called meadow sa ron, which seems to be the rst od given to the young. From this description it appears that the mole never comes abroad but at considerable dis­ tances om her habitation. In their dark abodes,
they enjoy the placid habits of repose and solitude, the art of securing themselves om injury, of almost instantaneously making an asylum or habitation, and of procuring a plentiful subsistence without the ne­ cessity of going abroad. They shut up the entrance of their retreats, and seldom leave them, unless com: pelled by the admission of water, or when their man­ sions are demolished by art.
S ELLIE.
FRAGMENT,
LIKE to the damask rose you see,
Or like the blossom on the tree ;
Or like the dainty ower of May,
Or like the morning of the d ,
Or like the sun or like the shade,
Or like the gourd which Jonas made-