XVI IXTIIODUCTIOX. 



of which the papilke of touch are extensively distributed. This 

 function, in many places, is probably aided by the delicate hairs 

 which are sparsely distributed linearly upon the under surfaces of 

 the membranes. These may perform a function analogous to 

 that observed in the labial whiskers which are so prominent in the 

 Felidse. Spallanzani was the first to notice the high development 

 to which this sense had been brought in these animals. His ex- 

 periment is well known, but will bear repetition here : — 



"In 1193 Spallanzani put out the eyes of a bat, and observed, 

 that it appeared to fly with as much ease as before, and without 

 striking against objects in its way, following the course of a ceil- 

 ing, and avoiding, with accuracy, everything against which it 

 was expected to strike. Not only were blinded bats capable of 

 avoiding such objects as parts of a building, but they shunned, 

 with equal address, the most delicate obstacles, even silken 

 threads, stretched in such a manner as to leave just space enough 

 for them to pass wdth their wings expanded. When these threads 

 were placed closer together, the bats contracted their wings, in 

 order to pass between them without touching. They also passed 

 with the same security between branches of trees placed to inter- 

 cept them, and suspended themselves by the wall, &c. with as 

 much ease as if they could see distinctly." — Godmaii's Amer. 

 Nat. Hist. I, 1831, 57. 



Habits. — The habits of these animals are but little known. We 

 possess a general knowledge that they are of nocturnal and cre- 

 puscular habits ; that they feed upon night insects ; that they 

 frequent in their hours of repose secluded retreats in common 

 with other nocturnal animals. To this circumstance, as much 

 as any other, our ignorance of their habits is chiefly due. The 

 darkness and unpleasant surroundings of their haunts are suffi- 

 cient obstacles to cool the ardor of the most enthusiastic naturalist. 

 Opportunities are off"ered occasionally, however, to observe their 

 flight, and their habits in repose, by their accidental entrance into 

 the open apartments of our dwellings in warm weather.* 



' In this connection I take the liberty of quoting from Mr. Audubon's 

 "Eccentric Naturalist," a sketch which appeared in the " Ornithological 

 Biography" of that aiithor. The hero of this sketch is well known to 

 liave been M. Rafinesque. The incident narrated was one of a series of 

 adventures equally ludicrous which Mr. Audubon graphically narrates: — • 



'• When it was waxed late I showed him to the apartment intended for 



