OEDBE OF EODENTIA. 



457 



tives of the Jerboa in South Africa. Their habits are about the 

 same as the other members of the genus. In point of fact, they 

 resemble Hares in size, although they are more slenderly made. 

 Only one species is known. 



Under the name of Pouched Eats, we shall place together a 

 certain number of American Rodents, which are characterised by 

 the possession of large and deep cheek-pouches. These are the 

 Saccomys and the Saccophorus. 



The Saccomys Genus. — The Saccomys resemble the Jerboa in 

 the length of their hind-legs, and their habit of leaping. They 

 are for the most part natives of the country lying around the 



I'jg. 190. — Pouched Eal {tiuccopkonis, borealisj. 



Gulf of Mexico, and are about the size of a Water-Rat. We are 

 in possession of but little information as to their modes of life. 

 It appears that the Saccomys are fond of flowers, and feed upon 

 them. Flowers, however, can only form a part of their alimentary 

 system, for that diet would be altogether insufficient to sustain 

 their strength without the assistance of other substances. 



The Saccophorus Genus. — This animal is a native of the regions 

 to the north of the preceding. Their name signifies sack-bearer. 

 They have immense cheek-pouches, which sometimes hang down 

 to the ground, and assume a most extraordinary development. 

 These sacs are used as a temporary receptacle for provisions 



