3/o HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



The HAMSTER. 



Although the qualities of this animal are fufficiently 

 noxious to render it an object of univerfal deteftation, in 

 thofe countries where it abounds ; yet, when confidered 

 with regard to thofe inftincts which conduce to its own 

 prefervation and fupport, it well deferves our higheft ad- 

 miration. 



Its habitation is curious, and conftru&ed with great 

 art. It confifts of a variety of apartments, adapted to 

 various purpofes, and extremely well fitted both for the 

 comfort and convenience of the inhabitants. The firft 

 entrance is formed in an oblique direction ; at the end of 

 which the male finks a perpendicular hole, which he re- 

 fer ves for his own ufe* The female makes feveral, for 

 the accommodation of herfelf and family, that her young, 

 during the ftiort time they are allowed to flay with her, 

 may have a free pafiage to the general ftores. One of 

 the holes is lined with draw, and ferves as a lodging ; 

 the others contain provifions, of which great quantities 

 are always accumulated during the time of harveft. — 

 They begin to lay in their ftores in Auguft. — To facili- 

 tate the tranfportation of their food, Nature has furnifli- 

 ed them with two pouches in each cheek, which they fill 

 with corn, beans, or peafe, till they feem ready to burft ; 



