344 THE COMMON HAMSTER. 



which they possess, perhaps, facilitates this operation by its 

 contractions. The pouches may also serve as a sort of craw 

 or first stomach, as in almost every hamster that has been 

 dissected, there were found in them a few grains in a state of 

 maceration ; and I have likewise observed that the hamster 

 fills its pouches with animal food, of which he never lays in a 

 store at home. However, the animal often eats the grain just 

 as it finds it, and therefore this use of the pouch is not absolute. 

 The valve of the cardia or (esophagus shuts so closely upwards, 

 that it is a sure proof of the hamster not being a ruminating 

 animal, although its stomach is double. 



" The hamster's locomotion is comparatively slow. It is easily 

 overtaken by man, even when making towards its burrow with 

 all possible speed. Its movements are most appropriate to its 

 habits of digging, creeping, and climbing up and down perpen- 

 dicular holes. During the day the hamster sits in its burrow, 

 rolled up like a ball, with the head bent under the chest : so at 

 least we may conclude from the observation of specimens in 

 captivity. About sunset it begins its first ramble, which lasts till 

 about midnight, when it rests till an hour before sunrise, and 

 then takes a second ramble, which it continues until morning. 

 It is only in dark and gloomy weather that the hamster is ever 

 found above ground whilst the sun is fairly above the horizon. 

 During these rambles, its first object is to procure grain, and 

 other vegetable food, wherewith to fill its pouches. As soon 

 as it hears a noise, it stands plantigrade on its hind-legs, like 

 a bear ; and if the object of its attention be some living prey, 

 as a mouse, it quickens its pace into a gallop, or f ventre-a-terre.' 

 Whilst quietly walking about its occupations, it sometimes 

 utters a succession of short growling sounds ; but when irritated, 

 even only by some noise, its voice is squeaking and shrill, and 

 in the height of passion it is not unlike that of a pig about 

 to be killed. When the fore-part of its pouches become filled 

 with food, it strokes them backwards with its paws, to make 

 room for a new supply ; and when they are thoroughly full, 

 it walks home, to add their contents to its store. If surprised 



