THE HAMSTER. 



great meafure, prevented by the ferocity with which they deltroy each other 

 upon all occalions; and by the exertions of their enemy the Polecat, which 

 purlues them into their fubterraneous retreats, and devours great numbers. 



Hamfters are commonly found in Ukraine, Poland, and Germany; in all 

 the temperate parts of Ruflia and Siberia; and in the Tartarian deferts. 

 They fwarm in fuch a manner at Gotha, that, in one year, So, 139 of their 

 fldns (a) were delivered at the Hotel de Ville of the capital (b;) thefe animals 

 having been profcribed on account of their devaluations among the corn. 



(a) It is remarkable, that the hair adheres so closely to the skin of the Hamster, as not to be plucked 

 off without the greatest difficulty. 



(b) De Buffon, Suppl. iii. 185. quoted from Mr. Sulzer. 



