404 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS'. 



THE HAMSTER. 

 (Mus Cricettts, Einn. Lc Hamster, Buff.) 



ALTHOUGH the qualities of this animal are suffi- 

 ciently noxious to render it an object of universal 

 detestation in those countries where it abounds ; 

 yet, when considered with regard to those instincts 

 which conduce to its own preservation and support, 

 it well deserves our highest admiration. 



Its habitation is curious, and constructed with 

 great art. It consists of a variety of apartments, 

 adapted to various purposes, and extremely well 

 fitted both for the comfort and convenience of the 

 inhabitants. The first entrance is formed in an 

 oblique direction, at the end of which the male 

 sinks a perpendicular hole, which he reserves for 

 his own use. The female makes several, for the 

 accommodation of herself and family, that her 

 young, during the short time they are allowed to 

 stay with her, may have a free passage to the 

 general stores. One of the holes is lined with 

 straw, and serves as a lodging ; the others con- 

 tain provisions, of which great quantities are al- 

 ways accumulated during the time of harvest. 

 They begin to lay in their stores in August. To 



