in zoology, a genus of quadrupeds, belonging to the order of glires; the genuine character of which is, that the fore-teeth of the lower jaws are sutured. There are species.

1. The porcellus, or Guiney-pig, so called from its being supposed to come only from Guinea, is a native of Brazil as well as Guinea. It is about the size of a young pig, and hath erect hair not unlike it. The colour is white or white varied with orange and black in irregular blotches; hath no tail, but very large broad ears rounded at the sides. These animals are of such a hot constitution, that they copulate five or six weeks after birth. They acquire not, however, their full growth before the eighth or ninth month. But this increase of size consists only of fat; for the solid parts are fully unfolded before the age of six months. The females go with young only three weeks: the first litter consists of four or five; the second of five or six; and the succeeding ones of seven or eight, and sometimes of 10 or 12. The mother suckles her young 12 or 15 days; she banishes them as soon as she receives the male, which happens at farthest three weeks after her delivery; and if any of them persist in following her, they are maltreated and killed by the male. As they breed so fast, their multitudes would be innumerable, if there were not so many enemies which destroy them. They cannot resist either cold or moisture; when cold, they assemble and crowd close together, in which case they often all perish together. They are also devoured in great numbers by cats, and many are killed by the males. Though perpetually throwing out urine, they never drink. They feed on all kinds of herbs; but especially on parsley, which they prefer to grain or bread; and they are likewise fond of apples and other fruits. They eat precipitately like the rabbit, little at a time, but very often; make a grunting noise like a little pig, and are very restless. No mention is made by natural historians of the manners of this animal in a wild state. Their skin is hardly of any value; and their flesh, though eatable, is not so good as to be much demanded; but it might be improved by keeping them in warrens, where they would have the benefit of the fresh air, and the liberty of choosing herbs agreeable to their taste. Those kept in houses have nearly the same bad taste with warren-rabbits; and those kept in gardens during the summer, have an infipid, but less disagreeable flavour.

2. The aguti, is about the size of a hare, has a short tail; four toes on the fore-feet, three on the hind ones; and a yellowish belly. According to M. Buffon, it is an animal peculiar to the southern parts of America, being Fig. 1. Mus Porcellus or Guinea Pig

Fig. 2. Mus Aguti

Fig. 3. Mus Avellonarius

A. B. C. D. E. Fig. 1. Mus Marmotta or Alpine Mouse.

Fig. 2. Mus Jaculus.

Fig. 3. Mus Lemmus.

Fig. 4. Mustela Lutra or Otter.

Fig. 5. Mud-Inguina See Next Plate. ing never found in the old world. It is common in Brasil, Guiana, St Domingo, and all the islands; and seems to require a warm climate in order to subsist and multiply. However, they can live in France, if kept in a dry place, and sheltered from winter frosts. The aguti is a very mischievous animal, and bites cruelly: he grunts like a pig; is very voracious; sits on his hind-legs, and holds his food with the fore-feet when he eats; hides what he cannot consume; hops like a hare, and runs very fast both on plain and rising grounds; but as his fore-legs are much shorter than the hind-ones, he would tumble headlong if he did not slacken his course in descending. Both his eye and his ear are fine; he stops and listens to the sound of music: the flesh of those which are fat and well-fed is not very bad, though it be hard, and not very agreeable to the taste. They feed the aguti, and make him ready in the same manner as a pig. He is hunted with dogs. When forced among the cut sugar-canes, he is soon taken; because these grounds being generally covered a foot thick with straw and leaves, at each leap he sinks in this litter, so that a man may overtake and slay him with a baton. He commonly runs very nimbly before the dogs; and when he gains his retreat, he lies squat, and remains obstinately in his concealment. The hunters are obliged to chase him out by filling his hole with smoke. The animal, half suffocated, utters mournful cries; but never issues forth, unless when pushed to the last extremity. His cry, which he often repeats when disturbed or irritated, resembles that of a small hog. If taken young, he is easily tamed, and goes out and returns of his own accord. These animals commonly reside in the woods and hedges; where the females choose a place well covered and bushy, and there prepare a bed of leaves and hay for their young. They annually produce two or three, but generally two. Like the cats, they transport their young, two or three days after birth, into the hollows of trees, where they suckle them for a short time; the young are soon in a condition to follow their mother, and to search for food.

3. The leporinus, or Java hare, is about the size of an ordinary hare: the hair of a reddish brown-colour; the head small in proportion to the body; the eyes large and prominent; the ears like those of a rat; in other respects the head resembles both a deer and hare; the hind-part of the body and thighs remarkably big; the legs long; four toes on the fore-feet, and three on the hind-feet: is a native of Java and Sumatra. The above description was taken from an animal of this kind in the possession of the duke of Richmond. It was very tame and inoffensive, and fed only on fruit and other vegetables.

4. The citellus, or earless marmot, hath a short tail, an ash-coloured body, and no ears. It inhabits Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, and Siberia. It hath been confounded with the cricetus, or hamster; but, according to M. Buffon, the differences between them are very conspicuous, chiefly in the want of ears in the citellus; for though the ears of the hamster are short, they are broad, and very observable; the citellus also never copulates with the hamster, which is sufficient to remove every doubt with regard to the diversity of their species. This creature burrows, and forms its magazine of corn, nuts, &c. for its winter-food. It fits up like a squirrel. By Gmelin's account, some inhabit the fields in Siberia, others penetrate into granaries; the former make holes in the ground with a double entrance, and sleep during winter in the centre of their lodge: those which inhabit the granaries are in motion during the whole of the cold season. They couple in the beginning of May, and bring from five to eight young, which they bring up in their burrows, and cover with hay. They whistle like the marmot; are very irascible, and bite very severely: their furs were once used by the ladies of Bohemia to make cloaks.

5. The lemmus, or lemming, hath a short tail, five toes on both fore and hind feet, and the body is variegated with green and yellow. This creature, which is one of the most singular that we know of, is said to be a native of the mountains of Kolin in Lapland. They appear not every year; but at certain unforeseen periods they come in such numbers, that they spread everywhere, and cover the whole surface of the earth. The arrival of the lemmings is considered as a terrible scourge, the effects of which it is impossible to avoid. They make dreadful devastations in the fields; lay waste the gardens; ruin the crops; and leave nothing, except what is shut up in houses, where they never enter. They bark nearly like small dogs. When attacked, they neither fear clubs nor halberds, but dart against those who strike them, outrageously biting, and fixing upon the weapons employed to kill them. When struck at with a stick, they seize it so forcibly with their teeth, that they allow themselves to be carried to a considerable distance without quitting their hold. They dig holes in the earth, and make roads like the moles, in quest of roots. They sometimes make war, and divide themselves into two armies along the lakes and meadows. Their enemies are foxes and ermines, who devour great numbers of them. Grass that has been eaten down, and springs again, is said to kill them; and they seem likewise to commit suicide; for they are often found suspended on the branches of trees; and they probably throw themselves in troops into the waters like swallows. It would also appear, that the lemmings, like the rats, mutually destroy and eat each other, when pasture fails them; and that this is the reason why their destruction is as sudden as their multiplication. At particular times they assemble together, and the whole die in company. They are very courageous, and defend themselves against other animals. It is not certainly known whence they come. The vulgar believe that they fall from the clouds along with the rain. Upon the renewal of the grass they infallibly die. In fine weather they take to the water in vast multitudes; but when a breeze of wind arises, they are all drowned. The number of these animals is so prodigious, that when they die the air is infected, and produces many diseases. They even seem to infect the plants which they gnaw; for the pasture then kills the cattle. The flesh of the lemmings is not good to eat; and their skin, though the hair be fine, does not answer for making furs, because it is too thick.

6. The paca, or spotted cavy, is an animal peculiar to the new world, particularly Brazil. It has a short tail, five toes on each foot, and three yellowish lines on each side. It resembles a pig of two months old; and its flesh is fat, and makes excellent food. Even the skin is eat, like that of a pig. For these reasons this animal is in perpetual request. It is difficult for the hunters to take him alive. When surprised in his hole, which they lay open both before and behind, he defends himself, and even bites fiercely. His skin, though covered with coarse short hair, makes a very good fur, because it is regularly spotted on both sides. These animals produce often and in great numbers; many of them are destroyed by men and beasts of prey, and yet the species is always numerous.

When kept in a wooden cage or box, this animal remains perfectly tranquil during the day, especially when plentifully supplied with food. He seems even to have an affection for his retreat as long as the day lasts; for, after feeding, he retires spontaneously into it. But when night approaches, by perpetual restlessness and agitation, and by tearing the bars of his prison with his teeth, he discovers a violent desire of getting out. Nothing of this kind happens during the day, unless he has occasion for some natural evacuation; for he cannot endure the smallest degree of dirtiness in his little apartment; and when about to void his excrements, always retires to the most distant corner he can find. When his straw begins to smell, he often throws it out, as if he meant to demand fresh litter. This old straw he pushes out with his muzzle, and goes in quest of rags or paper to replace it. In a female cavy, the following extraordinary instance of cleanliness was observed. A large male rabbit being shut up with her when she was in season, she took an aversion to him the moment he voided his excrement in their common apartment. Before this she was very fond of him; licked his nose, ears, and body; and allowed him to take almost the whole food that was given her. But as soon as the rabbit had infected the cage with his ordure, she retired into the bottom of an old press, where she made a bed with paper and rags, and returned not to her old lodging, till she saw it neat, and freed from the unclean guest which had been presented to her.

The spotted cavy is easily accustomed to a domestic life. Unless industriously irritated, he is gentle and tractable. He is fond of adulation, and licks the hands of the person who caresses him. He knows those who take care of him, and readily distinguishes their voices. When gently stroked on the back, he stretches himself out, lies down on his belly, by a small cry expresses his acknowledgment, and seems to ask a continuance of the favour. When seized in a rough manner, however, he makes very violent efforts to escape.

7. The marmota, or marmot, has a short hairy tail, round ears, and gibbous cheeks. It is found only on the tops of the highest mountains, and is more subject to be rendered torpid by cold than any other. In the end of September, or beginning of October, he retires into his hole, from which he comes not out till the beginning of April. His retreat is capacious, broader than long, and very deep, so that it can contain several marmots, without any danger of corrupting the air. With their feet and claws, which are admirably adapted for the purpose, they dig the earth with surprising quickness, and throw it behind them. It is not a hole, or a straight or winding tube, but a species of gallery made in the form of a Y, each branch of which has an aperture, and both terminate in one where the animal lodges. As the whole is made on the declivity of a mountain, the innermost part alone is on a level. Both branches of the Y are inclined, and the one is used for depositing the excrements of the animals, and the other for their going out and coming in. The place of their abode is well lined with moss and hay, of which they make ample provision during the summer. It is even affirmed, that this labour is carried on jointly; that some cut the finest herbage, which is collected by others, and that they alternately serve as vehicles for transporting it to their dens. One, it is said, lies down on his back, allows himself to be loaded with hay, extends his limbs, and others trail him in this manner by the tail, taking care not to overstep him. These repeated frictions are assigned as the reason why the hair is generally rubbed off their backs. But it is more probable, that this effect is produced by their frequent digging of the earth. But, whatever may be in this, it is certain that they dwell together, and work in common at their habitations, where they pass three-fourths of their lives. Thither they retire during rain, or upon the approach of danger; and never go out but in fine weather, and even then to no great distance. One stands sentinel upon a rock, while the others sport on the grass, or are employed in cutting it to make hay. When the sentinel perceives a man, an eagle, a dog, &c., he alarms the rest with a loud whistle, and is himself the last to enter the hole. They make no provisions for winter; nor have they in that season any occasion for them, as lying asleep all that time. As soon as they perceive the first approaches of the sleeping season, they set to work in shutting up the two entrances of their habitation; and this they perform with such labour and solidity, that it is easier to dig the earth anywhere else than in the parts they have fortified. They are at this time very fat, weighing sometimes 20 pounds; and they continue to be plump for three months; but afterwards they gradually decay, and are extremely emaciated at the end of winter. When discovered in their retreats, they are found rolled up in the form of a ball, covered with hay; and they are carried off in so torpid a state, that they may be killed without seeming to feel pain. The fattest are chosen for eating, and the young ones for taming. When taken young, they may be rendered nearly as tame as our other domestic animals. They learn to seize a stick, to dance, to perform various gesticulations, and to obey the voice of their master. Like the cat, the marmot has an antipathy against dogs. When he begins to be familiar in the house, and perceives that he is protected by his master, he attacks and bites dogs of the most formidable kind. Though not so large as a hare, he is stouter, and his strength is aided by a peculiar suppleness and dexterity. With his fore-teeth, which are pretty long, he bites most cruelly; he attacks not, however, either dogs or men, unless previously irritated. If not prevented, he gnaws furniture and stuffs; and when confined, pierces even through wood. His voice resembles the murmuring of a young dog when caressed or in a sporting humour; but, when irritated or frightened, he makes a whistling noise, so loud and piercing, that it hurts the ear. The marmots eat every thing presented to them; as flesh, bread, fruit, roots, pot-herbs, may-bugs, grasshoppers, &c., but milk and butter they prefer to every Though less inclined to theft than the cat, they endeavour to slip into the dairy, where they drink great quantities of milk, making, like the cat, a murmuring noise expressive of pleasure. Milk is also the only liquor that is agreeable to them; for they rarely drink water; and they refuse wine. They produce but once a-year, and the litter generally consists of three or four. The growth of their young is very quick; they live only nine or ten years; and the species is neither numerous nor much diffused. The marmot would make very good eating, if it had not always a disagreeable flavour, which cannot be concealed but by strong seasonings.

8. The monax, or marmot of Canada, has a hairy tail, an ash-coloured body, roundish ears, and four toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hind-ones. It is a native of America, and differs very little from the former.

9. The circetus, hamster, or German marmot, is the most famous as well as the most destructive of all the rats. It has a tail of moderate length, round ears, a black belly, and reddish sides, with three white spots. This creature sleeps during the winter like the marmots; when in a torpid state, neither respiration, nor any kind of feeling, can be perceived. The heart, however, beats 15 times in a minute, which has been discovered by opening the chest. The blood continues to be fluid, but the intestines are not irritable; even an electrical shock does not awake him; but in the open air he never becomes torpid. When dug up in his state of torpidity, the hamster is found with his head bent under his belly between the two fore-legs, and those behind rest upon his muzzle. The eyes are shut; and when the eye-lids are forced open, they instantly close again. The members are stiff, like those of a dead animal, and the whole body feels as cold as ice. When dissected during this state, he seems to feel very little; sometimes indeed he opens his mouth as if he wanted to respire; but his lethargy is too strong to admit of his awakening entirely. This lethargy hath been ascribed solely to a certain degree of cold; which indeed may be true with regard to dormice, bats, &c. But experience shews, that, in order to render the hamster torpid, he must also be excluded from all communication with the external air; for when he is shut up in a cage filled with earth and straw, and exposed in winter to a degree of cold sufficient to freeze the water, he never becomes torpid; but when the cage is sunk four or five feet under ground, and well secured against the access of the air, at the end of eight or ten days he is equally torpid as if he had been in his own burrow. If the cage is brought up to the surface, the hamster will awake in a few hours, and resume his torpid state when put below the earth. The experiment may be repeated with the same success as long as the frost continues. We have a farther proof that the absence of the air is one of the causes of torpidity in the hamster; for when brought up from his hole in the coldest weather, and exposed to the air, he infallibly awakes in a few hours. This experiment succeeds as well in the night as in the day; which shews that light has no share in producing the effect. It is curious to observe the hamster passing from a torpid to an active state. He first looses the rigidity of his members, and then makes a profound respiration, but at long intervals. His legs begins to move, he opens his mouth, and utters disagreeable and rattling sounds. After continuing these operations for some time, he opens his eyes, and endeavours to raise himself on his legs. But all these movements are still reeling and unsteady, like those of a man intoxicated with liquor. He, however, reiterates his efforts till he is enabled to stand on his legs. In this attitude he remains fixed, as if he meant to reconnoitre and repulse himself after his fatigue; but he gradually begins to walk, eat, and act in his usual manner. This passage from a torpid to an active state, requires more or less time, according to the temperature of the air. When exposed to a cold air, he sometimes requires more than two hours to awake; and in a more temperate air he accomplishes his purpose in less than one hour. It is probable that, when the hamster is in his hole, this change is performed imperceptibly, and that he feels none of the inconveniences which arise from a sudden and forced revivification.

The hamster is a very mischievous animal; and so exceedingly fierce, that he seems to have no other passion but rage. In consequence of this, he attacks every other animal that comes in his way, without regarding the superior size or strength of his antagonist; nay, as if he was ignorant of the method of saving himself by flight, he allows himself to be beat to pieces with a stick, rather than yield. If he seizes a man's hand, he must be killed before he quits his hold. When the hamster perceives a dog at a distance, he begins with emptying his cheek-pouches if they happen to be filled with grain, and which are so capacious as to hold a quarter of a pint English. He then blows them up so prodigiously, that the size of the head and neck greatly exceeds that of the body. Lastly, he raises himself on his hind-legs, and in this attitude darts on his enemy. If he catches hold, he never quits it but with the loss of life. But the dog generally seizes him behind, and strangles him. This ferocious temper prevents the hamster from being at peace with any other animal. He even makes war against his own species, not excepting the females. When two hamsters encounter, they never fail to attack each other, and the stronger always devours the weaker. A combat between a male and a female lasts longer than between two males. They begin by pursuing and biting each other; then each of them retires to a side as if to take breath; a little after, they renew the combat, and continue to fly and to fight till one of them falls. The vanquished uniformly serves for a repast to the conqueror.

The hamsters copulate about the end of April; when the males enter the apartments of the females, where they remain only a few days. If two males happen to meet in the same hole, a furious combat ensues, which generally terminates in the death of the weakest. The conqueror takes possession of the female, and both, though at every other period they persecute and kill each other, lay aside their rural ferocity during the few days their amours continue. They even mutually defend each other against aggressors; and if a hole is opened about this time, the female defends her husband with the utmost fury. The females bring forth twice or thrice every year. Their litter is never fewer than six, and more frequently than Mus. from 16 to 18. Their growth is very rapid. At the age of 15 days they begin to dig the earth; and soon after, the mother banishes them from her habitation; so that at the age of about three weeks they are abandoned to their own management. The mother in general discovers little affection for her offspring; and when her hole is opened, flies in the most dastardly manner, leaving her young ones to perish. Her only solicitude at that time is to provide for her own defense. With this view she digs deeper into the earth, which she performs with amazing quickness. The young would willingly follow her; but she is deaf to their cries, and even shuts the hole which she had made.

As the hamster lives on grains, and dwells under the earth, some kinds of soils are inconvenient for him. He requires a soil which is easily pierced, and yet so tenacious as not to tumble down. Stony, sandy, and argillaceous soils, are therefore improper, as well as meadows, forests, and marshy grounds. He likewise chooses countries which abound in all kinds of grain, that he may not be obliged to seek his food at great distances. In Thuringia, the soil of which possesses all these qualities, the hamsters are more numerous than in any other country. The habitations are dug to the depth of three or four feet, and consist of more or fewer apartments, according to the age of the animal. The principal apartment is lined with straw, and serves him for a lodging. The others are defined for the preservation of provisions, of which he amasses great quantities during the autumn. Each hole has two apertures: the one defends obliquely; and the other, through which the animal goes out and in, is perpendicular. The holes of the females, who never live with the males, are somewhat different. In those where she brings forth, there is seldom above one chamber for provisions; because the short time the young remain with her requires not a great store of food. But instead of one perpendicular hole, she makes seven or eight, to give free passage to her young. Sometimes the mother banishes her offspring, and continues to possess this hole; but she commonly digs another, and lays up as much provisions as the season permits her to collect.

The hamster feeds upon all kinds of herbs, roots, and grains, which the different seasons produce. He even eats the flesh of such animals as he can conquer. As he is not adapted for long journeys, his magazine is first stocked with the provisions which are nearest his abode. This is the reason why some of his chambers are frequently filled with one kind of grain only. When the harvest is reaped, he goes to a greater distance in quest of provisions, and carries every article he can find, without distinction, to his granary. To facilitate the transportation of his food, nature has furnished him with two pouches in the inside of each cheek. On the outside, these pouches are membranous, smooth, and shining; and in the inside there are a great many glands, which secrete a certain fluid, to preserve the flexibility of the parts, and to enable them to resist any accidents which may be occasioned by the roughness or sharpness of particular grains. Each of these receptacles is capable of containing an ounce and an half of grain, which, on his return to his lodging, he empties, by pressing his two fore-feet against his cheeks.

When we meet a hamster having his cheeks filled with provisions, it is easy to seize him with the hand, without the risk of being bitten; because in this condition he has not the free motion of his jaws. But if he is allowed a little time, he soon empties his pouches, and stands upon his defense. The quantity of provisions found in the holes depends on the age and sex of the inhabitant. The old hamsters frequently amass 100 pounds of grain; but the young, and the females, content themselves with a quantity much smaller. Their object in laying up provisions, is not to nourish them during winter, which they pass in sleep, and without eating; but to support them after they awake in the spring, and previous to their falling into a torpid state, which resembles a profound sleep. At the approach of winter, the hamsters retire into their subterraneous abodes, the entrance to which they shut up with great address. Here the animal repose, in the situation already described, upon a bed of straw; and in this state he is commonly dug up. In winter the peasants generally go a hamster-hunting as they call it; the retreat is known by a small eminence of earth raised near the oblique passage formerly described. The peasants dig down till they discover the hoard, and are generally well paid for their trouble; as they often find two bushels of corn, besides the skins of the animals, which are valuable furs; and it is remarkable that the hair sticks so fast to the skin, that it cannot be plucked off without the utmost difficulty. In some seasons the hamsters are so numerous, that they occasion a dearth of corn. Pole-cats are their greatest enemies; for they pursue them into their holes, and destroy great numbers.

10. The terrefris, or short-tailed field-mouse, has a hairy tail, with four toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hind-ones, and ears shorter than the hair. It inhabits Europe, and is found in great numbers in Newfoundland. It digs holes in the earth, where it amasses grain, filberts, and acorns; but it appears to prefer corn to every other food. When the grain is ripe, the short-tailed field-mice assemble from all quarters, and often do great damage by cutting the stalks of corn, in order to come at the ears. They follow the reapers, and eat up all the fallen and neglected grain. When the gleanings are devoured, they flock to the newly-sown fields, and destroy the crop of the ensuing year. In winter most of them retire into the woods, where they feed upon filberts, acorns, and the seeds of trees. In particular years they appear in numbers so immense, that they would destroy every thing if they continued long; but they always kill and eat one another during a scarcity of provisions. They besides are devoured by the long-tailed field-mice, by foxes, wild-cats, and weasels. These creatures are often carried home in the sheaves of corn, and 100 of them have been found in housing a rick. In such cases it hath been observed, that the dogs devoured all the mice of this sort they could find, rejecting the common kind; and, on the contrary, the cats would touch none but the last. This animal makes its nest in moist meadows, and brings eight young at a time; it has a strong affection for them; one that was seduced into a wire-trap by placing its brood in it, was so intent on fostering them, that it appeared quite regardless of its captivity. In Newfoundland, these mice mice are very destructive to gardens; but seldom do much damage in this way in Britain.

11. The amphibius, or water-rat, has a long hairy tail, but not palmed feet, as is said by Linnaeus. It is about the size of a rat, but in its manners resembles the otter much more than the rat. Like the otter, it frequents the fresh water, and is found on the banks of rivers, brooks, and pools. Gudgeons, minnows, blays, and the fry of carps, pikes, and barbels, are its ordinary food. It likewise eats frogs, water-insects, and sometimes the roots of plants. He swims with great ease, keeps long under water, and carries off his prey to be devoured on the grass or in his hole. He is sometimes surprised by the fishermen when searching for craw-fish; and he endeavours to escape by biting their fingers, or leaping into the water. Like the otter, he avoids large rivers, or rather those which are much frequented. He never visits houses or barns; but keeps upon the margins of waters, from which he wanders not upon dry land so far as the otter, who is sometimes found at the distance of a league from water. Water-rats are seldom met with in elevated places or dry plains, but are extremely numerous in moist and marshy valleys. The females come in season about the end of winter, and bring forth in the month of April, the litter generally consisting of five or seven. Perhaps they bring forth more than once a year; but of this we have no proper knowledge. This animal, as well as the otter, is eaten by the French peasants on maigre-days. Water-rats are found all over Europe, excepting in the polar regions. According to Bellon, they inhabit the banks of the Nile; but the figure he gives of them has so little resemblance to our water-rat, that it is probable the Nile-rats belong to another species of animals.

12. The rattus, or common rat, is the most pernicious of any of our smaller quadrupeds. Meat, corn, paper, cloaths, furniture, in short every convenience of life, is a prey to this destructive creature. Nor are its devastations confined to these; for it will make equal havoc among poultry, rabbits, or young game; nay, it hath been known to gnaw the extremities of infants when asleep. It is a domestic animal, residing very frequently in houses, barns, or granaries; and it is furnished with fore-teeth of such strength as enable it to force its way through the hardest wood or the oldest mortar. Several small animals have been confounded under the general name of rat; but the appellation seems properly to belong only to two; namely, the common black, and the brown rats. The black rats are not of a perfectly black colour, but of a deep iron grey, with an ash-coloured belly, the legs dusky, and almost naked; they have a claw, in the place of a fifth toe, on the fore-feet; the length from the nose to the tail seven inches, the tail nearly eight. It inhabits most parts of Europe, but of late the numbers have been very much lessened by the other kind. It makes a lodge either for its day's residence, or a nest for its young, near a chimney; and improves the warmth of it, by forming there a magazine of wool, bits of cloth, hay, or straw. It lodges also in cellings, and in the void spaces between the wall and the wainscoting. From these lurking places the rats issue in quest of food, and transport thither every substance they can drag, forming considerable magazines, especially when they have young to provide for. The female brings forth several times in a year, but always in the summer-season. The litter generally consists of five or six; and in spite of poison, traps, and cats, they thus multiply to such a degree as sometimes to do a great deal of damage. In old country-houses where grain is kept, and where the vicinity of barns and magazines facilitates their retreats, they often increase so prodigiously, that the possessors are obliged to remove and desert their habitations, unless the rats happen to destroy each other. This, however, frequently happens; for these creatures, when pinched for food, devour each other. When a famine happens by reason of too many being crowded into one place, the strong kill the weak, open their heads, and first eat the brain, and then the rest of the body. Next day the war is renewed, and continues in the same manner till most of them are destroyed; which is the reason why these animals, after being extremely troublesome for some time, disappear all of a sudden, and do not return for a long time.

Rats are extremely lascivious; they squeak during their amours, and cry when they fight. They soon learn their young to eat; and when they begin to issue from the hole, their mother watches, defends, and even fights with the cats, in order to save them. A large rat is more mischievous than a young cat, and nearly as strong; the rat uses her fore-teeth, and the cat makes most use of her claws; so that she requires both to be vigorous, and accustomed to fight, in order to destroy her adversary. The weasel, tho' smaller, is a much more dangerous and formidable enemy to the rat, because he can follow it into its retreat. Their strength being nearly equal, the combat often continues for a long time, but the method of using their arms is very different. The rat wounds only by reiterated strokes with his fore-teeth, which are better formed for gnawing than biting; and being situated at the extremity of the lever or jaw, they have not much force. But the weasel bites cruelly with the whole jaw, and instead of letting go its hold, sucks the blood from the wounded part, so that the rat is always killed. The rat was first introduced into America by the Europeans in 1544, and is now the pest of all that continent.

The brown or Norway rat is much larger than the black kind; being nine inches from the end of the nose to the beginning of the tail; the length of the tail itself is the same, the usual weight 11 ounces. Notwithstanding its name, however, it is not known in Norway, nor in any part of Scandinavia. It was never known in Britain till about 45 years ago; and made its appearance in the neighbourhood of Paris only about 22 years ago. Mr Pennant supposes, that this rat came originally in ships from the East Indies; a large brown species being found there, called bandicoots by the natives, which burrow under ground. Barbot also mentions a species inhabiting the fields in Guinea, and probably the same with this. Wherever this creature has taken up its residence, it hath totally extirpated the black kind; however, it is to be feared we shall reap little benefit by the exchange; for the Norway rat hath the same disposition, with greater abilities for doing mischief than the common kind. It burrows, like the water-rat, in the banks of rivers, ponds. ponds, and ditches; it takes the water very readily, and swims and dives with great celerity: like the black species, it preys on rabbits, poultry, and all kinds of game. It increases most amazingly fast, producing from 14 to 18 young at a time. Its bite is not only severe but dangerous; the wound being immediately attended with great swelling, and is a long time in healing. These creatures are so bold as to turn upon those who pursue them, and fasten on the stick or hand of such as offer to strike them.

13. The mulculus, or common mouse, has a long naked tail, four toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hind-feet, but no claw on the large toe. It has the same instinct, and the same constitution and natural dispositions with the rat, differing only in the mere circumstances of size and strength. The mouse never issues from his hole but in quest of food, and runs in again upon the least alarm. He goes not, like the rat, from house to house, unless he be forced, and is not near so destructive. He is also capable of being tamed to a certain degree, though not so perfectly as other animals. He hath many enemies, from whom he can escape only by his agility and minuteness. Owls, birds of prey, cats, weasels, and even rats, make war upon the mice, so that they are destroyed by millions; yet the species still subsists by its amazing fecundity. They bring forth at all seasons, and several times in the year: the litter generally consists of five or six; and in less than 15 days the young disperse, and are able to provide for themselves. Aristotle tells us, that having shut up a pregnant mouse in a vessel, along with plenty of grain, he found in a short time after 120 mice, all sprung from the same mother. All mice are whitish under the belly, and some are altogether white. Others are more or less brown and black. They are generally diffused over Europe, Asia, and Africa; but it is alleged that they were introduced into America by the Europeans. It is certain, however, that this little animal follows man, and flies from uninhabited places; probably on account of its natural appetite for bread, cheese, butter, &c., which men prepare for themselves.

14. The avellanarius, or dormouse, is equal in size to the former, but of a plumper appearance; the nose is more blunt; the head, sides, belly and tail, are of a tawny red colour, the throat white. Dormice inhabit woods, or very thick hedges; forming their nests in the hollow of some low tree, or near the bottom of a cloe shrub: they form little magazines of nuts, and eat in an upright posture like the squirrel. The consumption of their hoard, however, during the rigour of the season, is but small; for they sleep most of the time, retiring into their holes; at the approach of winter, they roll themselves up, and become torpid. Sometimes they experience a short revival in a warm sunny day; when they take a little food, and relapse into their former state. These animals seldom appear far from their retreats, or in any open place; for which reason they seem less common in Britain than they really are. They make their nests of moss, grass, and dead leaves; and bring usually three or four young at a time.

15. The quercinus, or garden-squirrel, has a long hairy tail, with a black ring under the eyes. It is a native of the south of Europe, where it lives chiefly in gardens, though it sometimes is found in houses. They are very destructive to fruit, particularly peaches, which they seem to prefer to every other kind. They also eat peas, apricots, and plumbs; and when soft fruits are not to be had, they will eat almonds, filberts, nuts, and even leguminous plants. Of these they carry off great quantities into their retreats, which they dig in the earth, and particularly in well cultivated gardens; for in old orchards they are often found in hollow trees, where they make beds of herbs, moss, and leaves. Eight or ten of them are frequently found in the same place, all benumbed, and rolled up in the midst of their provision of fruits and nuts. They copulate in spring, and bring forth in summer. The litter consists of five or six young, who grow very quickly, but are not fertile till the next year. Their flesh is not eatable, but has the same disagreeable odour with the domestic rat.

16. The gregarius, or gregarious mouse, has a tail about one-third the length of its body, and somewhat hairy; the body is of a greyish colour, and the legs white. It is a native of Germany and Sweden, is somewhat larger than the common mouse; eats sitting up; burrows, and lives under ground.

17. The sylvaticus, or long-tailed field-mouse, measures, from the end of the nose to the setting on of the tail, four inches and an half; the tail is four inches long; the upper part of the body of a yellowish-brown mixed with some dusky hairs: the breast is of an ochre colour, the rest of the under side is white; the tail is covered with short hair. These animals are found only in fields and gardens; in some places they are called bean-mice, from the havoc they make among beans when first sown. They feed also on nuts, acorns, and grain, of which they amass quantities, not proportioned to their wants, but to the capacity of the place where it is deposited, inasmuch that a single animal will collect more than a bushel. Thus they provide for other animals as well as themselves: the hog comes in for a share; and the great damage done to the fields by these creatures, in rooting up the ground, is chiefly owing to their search after the concealed hoards of the field-mice.

The holes of the field-mice are generally more than a foot under ground, and often divided into two apartments, the one for living in with their young, and the other for a magazine. M. Buffon informs us, that he has often seen great damage done to the plantations by these animals. They carry off the new-sown acorns; by following the furrow of the plough, they dig up one after another, not leaving a single seed. This happens chiefly in those seasons when the acorns are scarce; not finding a sufficient quantity in the woods, they come in quest of them in the cultivated fields, and often carry off such quantities that they corrupt in their magazines. These creatures, according to the same author, do more mischief in a nursery of trees than all the birds and other animals put together. The only way to prevent this damage is, to lay traps at ten paces asunder, through the extent of the town field. No other apparatus is necessary than a roasted walnut placed under a flat stone, supported by a stick. The animals come to eat the walnut, which they prefer to acorns; and as it is fixed to the stick, whenever they touch it, the stone falls down, and crushes crushes them to death. The same expedient Mr. Buffon also made use of with success against the short-tailed field-mouse, which also destroys acorns. In this way he found that upwards of 100 were taken each day, from a piece of ground containing only about 40 French arpents. From the 15th of November to the 8th of December, above 2000 were caught in this manner. Their numbers gradually diminished till the frost became severe, which is the time they retire into their holes, to feed on their magazines. In autumn they are most numerous; for if provisions fail during the winter, they devour one another. The long-tailed mice eat also the short-tailed species; and even thrushes, blackbirds, &c., which they find entangled in snares. They first eat the brain, and then the rest of the body. Mr. Buffon once kept a dozen of these mice in a cage, and furnished them with food every morning at eight o'clock. One day they were neglected for about a quarter of an hour, when one of their number was eaten up by the rest; next day another suffered the same fate; and in a few days only one remained: all the others had been killed, and partly devoured; and even the survivor himself had his feet and tail mutilated. These animals are very prolific, producing more than once a-year, and bringing nine or ten at a birth. They generally make the nest for their young very near the surface, and often in a thick tuft of grass.

Mr Pennant mentions a species of mouse which he calls the *long-tailed field-mouse*, or harvest-mouse; and which, he says, is very numerous in Hampshire, particularly during harvest. They form their nest above the ground, between the straws of the standing corn, and sometimes in thistles: it is of a round shape, and composed of the blades of corn. They bring about eight young ones at a time. These never enter houses; but are often carried, in the sheaves of corn, into ricks: and 100 of them have frequently been found in a single rick, on pulling it down to be hoveled. Those that are not thus carried away in the sheaves, shelter themselves during winter under ground, and burrow deep, forming a warm bed for themselves of dead grass. They are the smallest of the British quadrupeds: the length from nose to tail is only two inches and a half; their tail two inches, and the weight one-sixth of an ounce. They are more slender than the other long-tailed field-mouse; and their back of a fuller red, inclining to the colour of a dormouse.

18. The *Striatus*, or streaked mouse, has four toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hind-ones, longitudinal streaks on the body, with white spots. It is a native of India.

19. The *Longipes* has a long covered tail, four toes on the fore-feet, five on the hind-ones, and very long thighs. It is found in the torrid zone, and is mentioned only by Linnæus.

20. The *Jaculus*, or jerboa, inhabits Barbary, Palestine, Egypt, and the deserts between Balsora and Aleppo. The head hath a great resemblance to that of the rabbit; but its eyes are larger, and its ears shorter, higher, and broader, in proportion to its size. The nose is flesh-coloured and naked, and the muzzle is thick and short. The opening of the mouth is very small, the upper jaw broad, and the under jaw narrow and short. The teeth are like those of the rabbit, and the whiskers round the mouth are composed of long black and white hairs. The fore-feet are extremely short, and never touch the ground; being used only as hands to convey victuals to the mouth. These hands have four fingers armed with claws, and the rudiments of a fifth without any claw. The hind-feet have only three toes, the middle one of which is the longest, and all three are armed with claws. The tail is three times longer than the body, and is covered with small stiff hairs, of the same colour with those on the back; and the extremity of it is garnished with longer, softer, and more bushy hair. The legs are naked and flesh-coloured, as well as the nose and ears. The top of the head and back are covered with reddish hair; and the flanks, the under-part of the head, the throat, the belly, and the insides of the thighs, are white. Below the reins, and near the tail, there is a large, black, transverse band, in the form of a crescent. These animals generally conceal their hands or fore-feet among the hair, so that at first sight they seem to have only two feet. In transporting themselves from place to place, they do not walk, or advance one foot before the other, but leap nimbly to the distance of five or six feet from the ground. When reposing themselves, they sit on their knees, and sleep only during the day. They eat grain and herbage like the hare. Their dispositions are mild, and yet they can never be perfectly tamed. They dig holes in the earth like rabbits, and in a much shorter time. Two that were kept in a house in London, burrowed almost through the brick-wall of the room where they were: they came out of their hole at night for food, and when caught were much fatter and sleeker than when confined to their box. This animal is eaten by the Arabs, who call it the lamb of the children of Israel. Bochart thinks it is the Saphon of holy writ, and displays a vast deal of learning on the subject.

An animal very much resembling the above is found in Siberia, where it is called *alaglaga*. It hath very long transparent ears; long whiskers; five toes on the fore-feet; three on the hind-feet pointing forward, and a fourth behind, about an inch above the heel; the colour of the upper-part of the body is tawny, the lower whitish; in the form of the body, legs, and tail, it agrees with the last. Like the former, this is extremely active; digs holes in the ground with vast agility with its fore-feet; tears the roots with its teeth, and flings back the earth with its hind-feet: if pursued, and finds it cannot escape by leaping, attempts to make a new hole: in some places there are so thick as to be dangerous to travellers, the horses perpetually falling in them. It provides against winter; cuts grass, and leaves it in heaps a foot square to dry, afterwards carrying it into the burrow.

Besides these, Mr. Buffon describes an animal which probably belongs to the same species, and which he calls the *tarfier*, or woolly jerboa; but says, he accidentally procured it from a person who could neither tell its name, nor from whence it came. It had a sharp-pointed nose; long, erect, naked, transparent ears; large eyes; two cutting teeth in each jaw; and, what is peculiar to this species, two canine teeth in each; it had five long slender fingers on each foot, resembling those of a monkey: the fore-legs moderately long; the hind-legs of a very remarkable length, length, especially the second bone; that next the foot slender and naked; the tail exceedingly long and slender; the hair on the body long, soft, and woolly; the head of an ash-colour; the rest of the body tawny, mixed with an ash-colour: it was larger than a common mouse.

21. The volans, has a long hairy tail; four toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hind ones; and the skin from the ears to the tail is extended like wings, by which means it is enabled to fly. It is a native of Virginia and Mexico.