8 QUADRUPEDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



crowded and bilobed ; anterior molars conical, posterior bristled 

 with points ; nose without a furrowed, wrinkled and leaf-like 

 membrane ; tongue smooth ; membranes extended ; tail entirely 

 enveloped in the interfemoral membrane ; fur soft and thick. 



Observations. Dr. Richardson assigns sixteen species of 

 Cheiroptera to North America. Other authors have indicated 

 no less than twenty-four. The latter number is considered 

 as too high, or as not being sufficiently well characterized. But 

 nine species, according to De Kay, have been detected in the 

 United States, and five only have been described as belonging 

 to the State of New York. 



Genus Vespertilio. 



Generic characters. True grinders |E-| j without nasal appen- 

 dages ; ears at most but little longer, and sometimes shorter, than 

 the head. | 



1. Vespertilio pruinosus. Say. The Hoary Bat. 



Vespertilio pruinosus, Say, Long's Exp., vol. i. p. 168. Richardson, 



Fauna Bor. A men, p. 1. 

 Nycticeius tessellatus, Raf. 

 Hoary Bat, Godman, Am. Nat. Hist., vol. i. p. 68. 

 Figure ; Ibid. p. 68. 



Specific characters. Dental system ; incisors -=- ; canines 

 T^T j niolars fEf j = 30. Color about the ears and front, pale 

 tawny ; the remaining parts of the body, including the flanks and 

 interfemoral membrane, except a narrow edging of the latter, dark 

 ferruginous, intermixed with dusky black on the back, and all 

 tipped with white, thus giving it a decidedly hoary appearance. 



Description. The superior incisors are conical and sharp- 

 pointed, and separated from each other by a wide space. Inferior 

 incisors very short and almost concealed, and in close contact 

 with each other. The upper canines are almost twice as high as 

 the molars. The nostrils are 2 lines apart, and turned a little 

 outwards, and have a raised margin. Ears shorter than the 

 head, nearly circular. The form of the tragus is nearly that 



