162 The Mammalia of Essex ; a Contribution towards a 



it is usually believed to be, although I cannot call the 

 Barbastelle a commou bat. The ears of the preceding 

 species were remarkable for their size : these for the manner 

 in which they are united across the forehead of the animal ; 

 and this is a character which assists us to recognise it, espe- 

 cially if we bear in mind that this bat's fm- is darker than 

 that of any other British species. It is very solitary in its 

 habits, and haunts trees principally. I have never seen it 

 except away from the towm, and I find it useless to search 

 for where I have seen it flying the previous night. 



Cheiroptera. Ehinolophid^. 



Ehinolophus ferrum-equinum. Greater Horse-shoe Bat. 

 — This bat is stated — in both editions of ' Bell's Quadrupeds,' 

 and also in ' Cassell's Natural History ' — to occur at Colchester. 

 I believe that some mistake was made by Yarrell with regard 

 to the locality of his specimen ; the animal is so distinct in 

 flight, and so unmistakable in the hand, that I do not think 

 I am in error in affirming that neither of the horse-shoe bats 

 occurs in this district. They are plentiful in the western 

 counties, and I know many places in which I have seen both 

 species in abundance. 



Insectivora. Erinaceid.e. 



Erinaceus Europ^us. Hedgehog. — This well-known 

 animal is common everywhere, in spite of the constant 

 persecution of game preservers. There can be no doubt it 

 occasionally helps itself to an egg, or a young partridge or 

 pheasant ; but its depredations in this respect are quite com- 

 pensated for by the good it does in destroying grubs, slugs, 

 and insects. Taken altogether it may be considered as a very 

 harmless and useful little creature. I know no animal that 

 so soon becomes tame and familiar when in confinement. 



Insectivora. TALPiDiE. 



Talpa Europ^a. Common Mole. — This useful animal is 

 very common in all parts of the county, although in every 

 district it is subjected to great persecution, as the farmers 



