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The mole (Mole), its fur color resembles that of a rat, and it is very abundant in the fields around the capital today. Its feet are extremely short, capable only of walking. The tail is about one cun long, eyes are very small, and the neck is particularly short; furthermore, it is easy to dig out and capture. Some use bamboo bows to shoot them for feeding hawks. Tao Hongjing should not have cited the statement: "Nowadays, in various mountains and forests, there are animals as large as water buffalo, resembling pigs, with grayish-red coloration." If these were indeed rats, who could witness their semen transforming into rats? Tao's credulity here reflects that truly sincere scholars do not dismiss unverified statements as absurd. The current classic states: "Moves within the earth," which undoubtedly refers to the Mole-rat (Mole-rat).

All four limbs are short; the head, body, and tail are all flattened. The fur color resembles old purple silk. Large specimens have a body and tail length exceeding three chi. They eat fish and dwell in water. They do not die when emerging from water and can also rest on large trees; the world calls them Otter (Otter). I once tethered one in a large water vat, where it rotated rapidly like wind, causing the water to form a whirlpool—high at the edges and depressed in the center—which startled observers. Its skin is used by Western Regions peoples to decorate the collars and cuffs of fur garments. Upon inquiry, they stated that dirt does not adhere to it; similar to how wind-blown dust obscures vision, rubbing the eye with the cuff removes the particles. Additionally, the tips of the hairs indeed do not collect dust, which is another peculiarity. Furthermore, the *Bencao* Preface mentions "Otter Gallbladder Dividing the Cup" (Otter Gallbladder Dividing the Cup). I attempted this but found no verification. It suffices to apply it to the rim of the cup so that the wine level slightly exceeds the cup's surface. The story of "dividing the cup" is an error transmitted through ancient and modern times and must be corrected. The liver is effective when used medicinally.

Currently, using the liver to treat Wind disorders and using the skin with hair to make fur coats is correct. This animal is highly suspicious and has acute hearing. Humans exploit these traits of suspicion and acute hearing to capture it. Trappers often use traps.

The Racoon dog (Racoon dog) is fat and short, with slightly gray fur. A strip of black hair runs from the head along the spine. The snout is pointed and black, and the tail is short and broad. Steamed, it is extremely delicious. The shape resembles a small fox, with yellowish-brown fur. Among wild beasts, its meat is the most sweet and delicious, and it benefits emaciated individuals.

Wild Boar Gallstone (Wild Boar Gallstone) is located in the gallbladder and treats various epilepsy diseases in children. Wild boars are abundant in the western border regions of the capital. Their shape resembles domestic pigs, but with smaller bellies, longer legs, and brownish-black fur; they move in herds. Hunters dare only to shoot the last pig in the line; if they hit a leading pig, the herd scatters and may injure people. The meat is red like horse meat, tastes sweet, is soft, but is slightly wind-moving (provoke wind). Gallstones are not common; when occasionally obtained, they are rarely used by the world. Eating its meat is still superior to eating domestic pork.