WHAT ARE BATS f 523 



been undertaken into this matter will perhaps throw some light upon 

 one of the most singular aptitudes possessed by animals. It is com- 

 monly supposed that parrots cannot attach any meaning to the 

 phrases which they have learned ; but this is not strictly exact. Oc- 

 casionally individuals possessed of the advantages of great natural 

 intelligence and good training employ words to make requests ; they 

 make proper reply to a question or to a sign. It might be supposed 

 that parrots owe their power of speaking to the peculiar conforma- 

 tion of their tongue ; but this is rendered doubtful by the perform- 

 ances of the magpie, the blackbird, and the starling. In these birds 

 the tongue is thin, and yet they have no difficulty in pronouncing any 

 articulate sound ; this fact gives strength to the idea of the influence 

 of the superior larynx. A starling, distinguished for its power of speak- 

 ing, which at one time we had occasion to observe, very well knew the 

 value of sundry words. He gave expression to his wants in good 

 French, emphasizing his words with the flapping of his wings. This 

 bird was very fond of the bath, and often called for water; on seeing a 

 person taking hold of a pitcher the bird would exclaim, "Come quick, 

 come quick ! " with increasing force in case he was obliged to wait. 



Most small birds have their call, their chirp of joy or of fright, 

 their battle-cries : all these voice-explosions, containing as they do both 

 vowel and consonant sounds, show how easy and natural articulation 

 is to these animals. The species which possess the power of singing 

 have a very complex vocal apparatus. The nightiugale excels all the 

 other songsters of the woods in power, clearness, and sweetness of 

 tone. Her notes, whether joyous or plaintive, are always melodious. 

 This bird acquires the power of song only after long practice. The 

 young ones are usually very indifferent singers, and it is only those 

 individuals which possess special gifts that give to the vocal art its 

 highest expression. Among all the pretty feathered denizens of our 

 woods, the males alone possess a fine voice ; they utter their song in 

 order to win mates who cannot compete in vocal talent. They are 

 mute for a great part of the year, but, when the mating season ap- 

 proaches, their nervous action is quickened, and the blood is deter- 

 mined to the organs of voice. 



AYHAT AEE BATS? 



By St. GEOEGE MIVART, F. E. S. 



1IIE group of animals called " Bats " is one full of interest to those 

 specially occupied with the study of animal structure the anato- 

 mist, the physiologist, and the philosophical zoologist. At the same 

 time it must be confessed that bats are far from exciting that general 

 interest which in fact they 'merit. This disregard, however, is very 



T 



