Hamster

HAMSTER substantive (german word). Mamm. genus of rodent, close to the rat, and characterized by a short and hairy tail and by elongated fur lined pouches, that these animals use for the transport of grain they store in their underground dwellings. There are various species of hamsters, in Europe as well as in the north of Asia. The common species, known as the Black-bellied Hamster (cricetus vulgaris, Cuv.), includes rodents a bit larger than the rat, with reddish-gray fur on the back, a black belly and whitish legs. Sometimes the hamster is black all over; its eyes are small and prominent; its fur is thin and long. The hamster does great damage to crops, because of the provisions of grains it takes back to its burrows; although it feeds mainly on plants, it can occasionally eat meat. It is fierce and can’t be domesticated. In captivity, it fights with its companions and bites the hand that feeds it.
 
Extract from the Trousset encyclopedia, 1886 – 1891.