198 



BRANCH VERTEBRATA. 

 FIG. 343. 



FIG. 344. 



Ga le o pi the' cus vo' tons. 

 Colugo. (&.) 



(Jondylu'ra crista'ta. Star-nosed Mole. (\.) 



The tunnels and mounds of the Star-nosed Mole are 

 often seen in moist meadow lands. The rays on the 



nose are of use as tactile organs.* 



The Colugo (ko lu'go) has a mem- 

 brane clothed with hair, serving as 

 a parachute to support it in a de- 

 scending leap from tree to tree, 

 sometimes for 100 yards. It is 

 nocturnal and sleeps suspended by 

 the hind legs. 



The Bats are true flying mam- 

 mals, the body being adapted to an aerial life. The 

 great change is a prolongation of the arms and fingers, 

 to sustain a thin 

 membrane used as a 

 wing. The thumb 

 is left free and armed 

 with a strong claw, 

 enabling the bat to 

 climb walls and run 

 upon a rough sur- 

 face. It suspends it- 

 self, however, when 

 at rest with its hind feet. Its molars bristle with points 



FIG. 345. 



Skeleton of a Bat. 



* This species is frequently found in mid-winter with its tail swollen with 

 fat, probably to be absorbed as food during its partial hibernation. 



