TALPA, the MOLE; a genus of quadrupeds belonging to the order of fœre. There are six fore-teeth in the upper jaw, and eight in the under jaw; with one large dog-tooth, and four smaller ones. There are two species, viz. 1. The caudata, or common mole, with a tail, and five toes on each foot. It is a native of Europe; lives under ground; burrows with vast rapidity with its fore-feet, flinging the earth back with its hind feet: has the sense of smelling exquisite, which directs it to its food, worms, insects, and roots. It does vast damage in gardens, by flinging up the soil and loosening the roots of plants. It is most active before rain, and in winter before a thaw, worms being then in motion. It breeds in the spring, and brings four or five young at a time: it makes its nest of moss, a little beneath the surface of the ground, under the greatest hillock: raises no hillocks in dry weather, being then obliged to penetrate deep after its prey. It makes a great scream when taken. Palma christi and white hellebore, made into a paste, and laid in their holes, destroys them. None in Ireland.
2. The asiatica has no tail, and but three toes on the feet. It is of a beautiful green and gold colour, variable with the light. It is a native of Asia.