258 



FAMILY MURLD^E ; HAMSTER, MOLE-RAT. 



ground, in the rough and bristly hair on the upper part of its 

 body, and in the low grunt it makes when pleased, it bears a 

 alight resemblance to a Hog ; whence the first part of its common 

 name has originated. This species is easily domesticated, and 

 is very docile in captivity. The Hamster^ which has been else- 

 where noticed on account of its remarkable instincts (ANIM. 

 PHYSIOL., 699), is another species of the Rat kind ; and is dis- 

 tinguished by its two enormous cheek-pouches, in which it carries 

 grain to be stored up in its extensive hoards.' Its tail is short 

 and somewhat hairy. It inhabits the sandy districts of the 

 north of Europe and 

 Asia, from Germany to 

 Siberia ; and is very 

 injurious to the Agricul- 

 turist, on account of the 

 quantity of grain which 

 it devours. It does not 

 restrict itself to vegeta- 

 ble food, however ; but 

 attacks and devours 

 other small quadrupeds and birds. 



227. There is another very interesting species, which seems 

 intermediate between this group and the next ; the Spalax or 

 Mole Rat of Southern Russia in Europe. This animal is nearly 



FIG. 129. HAMSTER. 



FIG. 130. SPALAX OR Moue-RAr. 



allied to the Rats in general conformation ; but presents some 

 remarkable points of resemblance to the Mole, both in structure 



