THE HAMSTER. 443 



if any person digs into the hole, she attempts to save 

 herself by burrowing deeper into the earth, leaving 

 them a prey to the intruder. They would willingly 

 follow her ; but she is deaf to their cries, and even 

 shuts up against them the hole which she has made * 



The Hamsters feed on grain, herbs, and roots ; 

 and, at times, even eat flesh. Their pace is ex- 

 tremely slow ; but in burrowing in the ground 

 they exhibit great agility. Not being formed for 

 long journeys, their magazines are lirst stocked with 

 such provisions as are nearest to their abode ; which 

 accounts for some of riieir chambers being filled with 

 only one species of grain. After the harvest is reap- 

 ed, they, from compulsion, go to greater distances 

 in search of provisions, and carry to their storehouses 

 whatever eatables they can lay hold of. 



To facilitate the transportation of food to therr 

 hoards. Nature has provided them with pouches in 

 their cheeks. — These, in the inside, are furnished 

 with many glands ; which secrete a certain fluid, 

 that preserves the flexibihty of the parts. They are 

 each capable of containing about two ounces of grain; 

 which the animal empties into its granary, by press- 

 ing its two fore-feet against its cheeks. — When its 

 cheeks are full, it may easily be caught with the 

 hand, without the risk of being bitten ; as it has nor, 

 in this condition, the free motion of its jaws. If, 

 however, a short time is allowed, it soon empties its 

 pouch, and stands on the defensive. 



On dissecting one of these animals, Dr. Russel 



V 



■< Ll I ■■Wl^ — H I ■ . ,IM . ,1, ■ i-i, ■ . ■— , ■ — -■ — ■ ■ ■ - ., , .. ^ .. I ■ I I ■ » I ^.^ 



* Pcnn. Quad. ii. 46;>. 



