M. C. COOKE ON THE HAIRS OP INDIAN BATS. 45 



ever, in possession of any facts to support ttis liypotliesis, but I 

 think it is one Avhicli would furnish a useful series of observa- 

 tions. 



I fear that the many imperfections of my paper will require a 

 more ample apology than I can offer. This kind of investigation 

 is new to me, and was only undertaken because of the facility I 

 possessed of obtaining a large number of authentic specimens, and 

 because of the continued enquiry about the names and hairs of 

 Indian bats. I examined all the specimens dry, and in balsam, many 

 in distilled water, and some in spirit. All were viewed with a ^ and 

 an ^ objective, and the majority by means of polarized light. Alto- 

 gether not less than 300 examinations were made, and about 200 

 separate sketches. Many friends mounted for me specimens, in 

 addition to those I mounted for myself, so that altogether between 

 300 and 400 preparations were made. I am now convinced that 

 the true character of the hair is only to be seen when it is mounted 

 dry, and under a good strong hght. At first I was a firm believer 

 in balsam, but though I still think that all should be seen in bal- 

 sam, it obliterates too much. The polariscope and |- object glass 

 are great assistants. 



Desirous that this paper should be made as useful as possible to 

 the club, and as a kind of penance for the infliction, I present for 

 its acceptance a series of the hairs described, mounted dry and in 

 balsam, which I have made up to 100 slides. The diagrams ex- 

 hibited this evening, and the portfolio which contained them, I 

 also place at the disposal of the Club, so that it may possess the 

 means of testing my observations. 



(A Synopsis will appear in the next number with the third plate.) 



