HAMSTER. 
6P 
pair of tumid bladders, with a smooth veiny sur- 
face, which is concealed by the fur of the cheeks. 
These, the only species of the pouched rats 
found in Europe, are inhabitants of Austria, Si- 
lesia, and many parts of Germany. They live 
under ground, burrowing down obliquely. At the 
end of their passage, the male sinks one perpendi- 
cular hole ; and the female several, sometimes 
seven or eight. At the extremity of these are 
formed various vaults ; either as lodges for them- 
selves and young, or as store-houses for their food. 
Each young one has its separate apartment ; and 
each sort of grain its appropriate vault ; the for- 
mer are lined with straw or grass. The vaults are 
of different depths, according to the age of the 
animals. A young hamster makes them scarcely 
a foot deep ; an old one sinks them to the depth 
of four or five feet. The whole diameter of the 
habitation, with all its communications, is some- 
times eight or ten feet. 
The male and female have always separate bur- 
rows ; for, except in their short season of courtship, 
they have no intercouse. The whole race are so 
malevolent, as constantly to reject all association. 
They will fight, kill, dnd* devour each other. The 
female shews little affection even for her young ; 
for if any person digs into the hole, she attempts io 
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 first stocked 
with such provisions as are nearest to their abode; 
