95 



With Cheek-pouches for the temporary Reception of 

 their Food. 



HAMSTER RAT. 



Mus Cricetus. M. buccis sacculiferis, corpore subtvs aterrimo, 



cicatriculis lumbaribus detonsis. Lin. Syst. Nat. G-md.p. 137. 



Pall. Glir.p.Sj. 

 Reddish-brown pouched Rat, with three white spots on each 



side, and deep black abdomen. 

 Mus cauda mediocri, auriculis rotundatis, corpore sitbtus nigro, la- 



teribus rufesccittibus, maculis tribus albis. Lin. Syst. Nat. 



p. 82. 



Hamster. Buff. 13. p. iif.pl. 14. and Suppl. 3. p. 183. 

 Hamfter Rat. Pennant Quadr. 2. p. 206. 



OF the pouched rats the Hamster is the most 

 remarkable, and indeed is the only European spe- 

 cies provided with those peculiar receptacles, 

 which are situated on each side the mouth, and 

 when empty are so far contracted as not to ap- 

 pear externally, but when filled resemble a pair 

 of tumid bladders, having a smooth veiny surface ; 

 concealed, however, under the fur or skin of the 

 cheeks *, which bulge out extremely in this state. 

 They are so large as to hold the quantity of a 

 quarter of a pint, English measure. 



The general size of the Hamster is nearly that 

 of a brown or Norway rat, but it is of a much 



* In the figure of these parts engraved in Buffon's Natural His- 

 tory, Vol. XIII. pi. 16, they are represented as situated under the 

 skin of the cheeks, which has been divided in order to display them ; 

 and in Daubenton's accurate description they are expressly said to 

 be covered by the common integuments. 



