NATURAL HISTOR V. 
89 
quadrupeds can overtake it. It is a very in- 
oftenfivc creature, living entirely on vege- 
tables. It burrows in the ground, like rab- 
bits. 
In the year 1779, two of them, which 
were exhibited in London had nearly bur- 
rowed through the wall of the room in which 
they were kept. 
There is an animal of this fpecies in Sibe- 
ria, which is a more expert digger than the 
rabbit itfelf ; their burrows are fo numerous 
in fome places, as to be even dangerous to 
travellers. 
It is related of this latter, that they will 
cut grafs, and leave it in little heaps to dry ; 
which not only ferves them for food, but 
alfo makes their habitation warm and comfort- 
able for themfelves and their young during 
the winter feafon. 
There is alfo the torrid jerboa, fo called by 
Linnajus from its inhabiting the torrid Zone, 
which is about the liz.e of a common moufe ; 
and the Indian jei'boa ; a fpccimen of which 
was to be feen in the cabinet of the celebrat- 
ed Dr. Hunter. 
H 2 
NATURAL 
