A4Q. THE HAMSTEfr. 



about tliree inches Ions:. Its colour is reddish brown 

 above, and black beneath ; but on each side of 

 the body, there are three large oval white spots. The 

 ears arc rather large. On each side of the mouth 

 are two receptacles for food : which, when empty, 

 are so far contracted, as not to appear externally; 

 but when filled, they resemble a pair of tumid blad- 

 ders, with a smooth veiny surface which is con- 

 cealed by the fur of the cheeks. 



These, the only species of the pouched Rats. 

 found in Europe, are inliabitants of Austria, Si- 

 lesia, and many parts of Germany. They live 

 under ground, burrowing down obliquely. At the 

 end of their passage, the male sinks one perpendi- 

 cular hole ; and the female several, sometimes seven 

 or eight. At the extremity of these are formed various' 

 vaults ; either as lodges for themselves and young, 

 or as store-houses for their food. Each young one 

 has its separate apartment ; and each sort of grain its 

 appropriate vault : the former arc lined with straw 

 or grass. The vaults are of different depths, accord 

 ing to the age of tlie animals. A young Hamster 

 makes them scarcely a foot deep ; an old one sinks 

 them to the depth of four or five feet. The wliole 

 diameter of the habitation, with all its communi- 

 cations, is sometimes eight or ten feet. 



The male and female have always separate bur- 

 rows ; for, except in their short season of courtship, 

 they have no intercourse. The whole race are so 

 malevolent, as constantly to reject all association. 

 They will fight, kill, and devour each other. The 

 female shews little alFection even for her young ; for 



