Georgia Pipistrelle 



the dark tree tops, and are left in doubt as to the result until, 

 in the gloom, we may perchance see our little black and tan, 

 seemingly as interested in the result as we are, pointing the 

 dead animal." 



About Philadelphia this is our commonest species, and any 

 evening throughout the summer and autumn numbers of them 

 may be seen circling about in localities where their favourite in- 

 sect-food abounds. One old garden that I recall, skirted by an 

 ancient grape-wall and surrounded by shade-trees, was always a 

 favourite resort for bats, and many an exciting evening has been 

 spent both in securing specimens and studying the habits of 

 these interesting animals. 



The large brown bat was always distinguishable on account 

 of his size which, in the uncertain twilight, was frequently ex- 

 aggerated, and more than once one of this common species was 

 mistaken for a possible hoary bat, an animal which, in spite 

 of our efforts, was never detected in this spot. 



The large brown bat is seen late in autumn and on mild 

 evenings in mid-winter, and they not infrequently fly into houses 

 during the latter season and seek temporary shelter only to sally 

 forth again the next night to the terror of certain of the occu- 

 pants of the bedrooms, causing an excitement that could scarcely 

 be surpassed were they the famous vampires of the tropics. 



In summer-time they still more frequently enter houses in 

 the evening in pursuit of flies and other insects which are at- 

 tracted by the lights, and pass back and forth wheeling and 

 twisting with the utmost dexterity, and always avoiding objects 

 which may stand in their path. 



Since the introduction of electric lights along the streets of 

 the city, the bats are frequently to be seen flying about in their 

 radiance, reaping a rich harvest of their favourite food. 



Georgia Pipistrelle 



Pipistrellus subflavus (Cuvier) 



Length. 3.40 inches. Expanse of wings. 8.50 inches. 

 Description. Wing membranes thin, only furred near the base of 

 the interfemoral membrane. Fur, light yellowish brown, 



2OI 



