406 HISTORY OF OUADRUPEDS. 



meet in the same hole, a furious combat ensues, 

 which generally terminates in the death of the 

 weaker. 



The females bring forth twice or thrice every 

 year ; each litter consisting of six or eight. In 

 about three weeks the young are driven from their 

 holes, and left to provide for themselves. Their 

 increase is so rapid in some years, as to be almost 

 sufficient to occasion a dearth ; but the ferocity with 

 which they upon all occasions attack and devour 

 each other, is so great, as to be the happy means of 

 preventing the ill effects of their fecundity. 



It is not only its own species to which the fury of 

 the Hamster is directed : he attacks and devours 

 every animal, without distinction, that he is able to 

 conquer: and frequently opposes himself to enemies 

 much superior to himself in strength. Rather than 

 fly, he allows himself to be beaten to death. If 

 he seize a man's hand, he must be killed before he 

 can be made to quit his hold. A Horse or a Dog 

 are equally objects of his rage ; and wherever he 

 seizes, it is with difficulty he can be disengaged. 



The Hamster is about the size of a large Water- 

 Rat; has a short tail, almost naked; its head and 

 back are of a reddish brown colour, not unlike that 

 of a Hare; its throat is white, and it has three white 

 spots on each side; its breast and belly are black. 



It is found in various parts of Germany, Poland, 

 and Ukraine. 



The Polecat is its greatest enemy. It pursues the 

 Hamster into its hole, and destroys great numbers. 



Mr. Ray observes, that the hair of this animal is 

 so closely united to the skin, that it cannot be 

 pulled off without great difficulty; on which ac- 

 count it is held in high estimation. 



