S 6 



THE HAMSTER. 



of the nest is precisely calculated for such extension, for the materials are so inter- 

 woven that the entire structure can be greatly expanded from the interior without los- 

 ing its spherical shape. Such, at all events, was the case in my own specimen, and is 

 probably so in all. 



Very little is known of the habits of the Harvest Mouse in a wild state, except that 

 it is destructive to corn whether stored in ricks or barns. It is also carnivorous, of 

 rather insectivorous to no small degree, as was proved by Mr. Bingley, who kept one of 

 these little creatures, and accustomed to feed it with various insects. This propensity 

 was discovered by mere accident, the Mouse springing with wonderful activity at a 

 blue-bottle fly that happened to buzz against the wires of her cage. Taking the hint, 

 Mr. Bingley caught the fly, and holding it against the wires, was pleased to see the 

 little quadruped dart nimbly out of her hiding-place and take it from his fingers. She 

 always preferred insects to vegetable food. The same observer noticed that the tail of 

 this animal is prehensile. 



Independently of its small size, the Harvest Mouse may be distinguished from a young 

 ordinary Mouse by its short ears, narrow head, slender body, and less projecting eyes. 



THE bold and elegant markings with which the fur of the BARBARY MOUSE is dec- 

 orated, render it a very conspicuous animal, and when the creature is in captivity, 

 always attract the attention of visitors who happen to pass before its cage. 



The dimensions of this an- 

 imal are greater than those of 

 the common Mouse, while they 

 are smaller than those of the 

 ordinary rat. Its color is very 

 pleasing, the ground tint of the 

 fur being a rich brown, and the 

 stripes of a whitish yellow, verg- 

 ing by degrees into the white 

 fur of the under portions of 

 the body. These pretty creat- 

 ures are tolerably hardy, and 

 can endure an English climate 

 as well as most animals which 

 have been brought from a hot 

 and arid to a cold and moist 

 country. They run about their 

 cage with considerable liveli- 

 ness, sometimes diving among 

 their bedding, and ever and 

 anon poking their intelligent- 

 looking little heads from among 

 the hay, and tripping about as if pleased to exhibit their beautiful fur. As may be 

 supposed from its title, the animal is a native of Barbary. 



It is not devoid of the carnivorous habits of its race, and even when bountifully 

 supplied with food, has been known to develop its carnivorous nature into cannibalism, 

 eating the body of one of its companions that had died while in the cage. 



THE short, sturdy, stupid rodent which is so famous under the name of the HAM- 

 STER is widely spread over many parts of Northern Europe, where it is an absolute pest 

 to the agriculturists, who wage unceasing war against so destructive an animal. Be- 

 fore proceeding to the habits and character of the Hamster, a short description of its 

 external appearance will be necessary. 



The color of its fur is a grayish fawn on the back, deepening into black on the under 

 portions of the body and softening into a yellow hue upon the head and face. The 

 otherwise uniform tinting of the fur is relieved by some patches of whitish-yellow upon 

 the cheeks, shoulders, and sides. The creature is furnished with two large cheek-pouches, 

 which are capable of containing a considerable amount of food, and which can be inflated 



BARBARY MOUSE. Oofunda Barbara. 



