7G Rev. L. Jenyns on a new Species of Bat. 



(which species it approaches most nearly, especially in size 

 and general proportions,) by its sharper snout, its peculiarly 

 formed tragus, and the absence of ciliated lines beneath the 

 interfemoral. 



Of the V. emarginatu8 I possess no specimen for compa- 

 rison. But it differs from Geoffroy's description and figure 

 of that species*, in the ears being smaller as well as less deeply 

 notched on their external margins, and in the tragus not being 

 subulate, as before stated. The flying membrane also is not 

 quite so ample. But on the whole the proportions are not very 

 dissimilar. 



It may still be inquired how far the above distinguishing 

 characters may be trusted as indicating a specific difference. 

 This however, is a question, to which, in the present state of 

 the science, no certain reply can be made. It is in general 

 hazardous to establish new species from single specimens. 

 But in no instance hitherto, have I ever seen any appreciable 

 variation in the form of the tragus, which is the great pecu- 

 liarity in the one now described. And whether I am right or 

 not in assigning so high an importance to this character, I 

 conceive it w ill be of equal advantage to science to have 

 brought it under the notice of the naturalist. It is only by 

 tracing every variation of form, with a view to ascertaining 

 the real value of characters, that we can arrive ultimately at a 

 true knowledge of the value of species. If the one here de- 

 scribed be a mere variety, it would seem to be a variety of the 

 V. Daubentonii, to which on the whole it makes the nearest 

 approach. 



I have only to add, that this bat will shortly be returned to 

 the Museum at Durham, where it may be seen by those na- 

 turalists who may have an opportunity of visiting that collec- 

 tion ; and I beg to express my acknowledgements to Mr. Fox 

 for permission to examine it. 



REFERENCE TO THE PLATE. 



Plate III. fig. 1. is a dorsal view of V. cedilis. — Fig. 2. is a front view 

 of the head enlarged. 



Swaffham Bulbeck, Feb. 2, 1839. 



* Ann. du Mus. torn. viii. p. 198. pi. 46. 



