THE CAROLINA BAT 171 



Numerous individuals select a, tange tree for their 

 resort, and, suspending themselves by the claws of their 

 hind limbs to the naked branches, often in companies of 

 several hundreds, afford to a stranger a very singular 

 spectacle. A species of fig-tree, often found near the 

 villages of the natives, affords them a favourable retreat, 

 and the branches are sometimes covered with them. 

 They pass the greater part of the day in sleep, hanging 

 motionless, ranged in succession, with the head down- 

 ward, the wing membrane contracted about the body, and 

 often in close contact ; looking like fruit of uncommon size 

 suspended from its branches. In general these societies 

 preserve a perfect silence during the day, but if they are 

 disturbed, or if a contention arises among them, they 

 emit sharp piercing shrieks, and their awkward attempts 

 to extricate themselves when oppressed by the light of 

 the sun exhibit a ludicrous spectacle. Soon after 

 sunset they gradually quit their hold, and pursue their 

 nocturnal flight in quest of food. They direct their 

 course by an unerring instinct to the forests, villages, 

 and plantations, occasioning incalculable mischief, attack- 

 ing and devouring indiscriminately every kind of fruit, 

 from the abundant and useful wood-nut, which surrounds 

 the dwellings of the meanest peasantry, to the rare 

 and most delicate productions which are cultivated 

 with care by princes and chiefs. By the latter, as well 

 as by the European colonists, various methods are em- 

 ployed to protect the orchards and gardens. Without 

 such precaution but little valuable fruit would escape the 

 ravages of the kalong. They may be observed as soon as 

 the light of the sun is gone. Then the bats may be seen 

 to follow each other at small but irregular distances, and 

 this succession continues till darkness obstructs the view. 

 The flight of the kalong is slow and steady, pursued in 



