INTRODUCTION. XXI 



sorted to was that of opening holes of about four inches square, 

 two at each galjle end, to permit a current of air to pass 

 through. These holes were covered with iron gauze, to prevent 

 the re-entrance of any of the remainder of the army of the enemy 

 which might hover around the premises. 



" At the end of five years the odor has now nearly disappeared, 

 being hardly perceptible during a continuance of very damp 

 weather." 



The fact mentioned above of the numerous parasites infesting 

 bats is perhaps the most revolting feature in these creatures. The 

 enormous population of Acari found upon their bodies is due 

 to the great generation of animal heat in their close haunts, a 

 condition conducive to a rapid 'increase of all kinds of vermin. 

 In this country the common bed-bug ( Cimex lectularis) is fre- 

 quently found upon their fur. The entrance of a bat, wdth its 

 precious burden, into the open window of a farm house is the 

 solution of that frequently propounded question of the despairing 

 housewife : " Where can the bugs come from ?" 



Of individual anecdotes of bats we have but few examples. 

 The following, illustrating the maternal instinct, is taken from 

 Godman's Nat. Hist. I, 1«31, 56. It is narrated by Mr. Titian 



Peale : — 



"In June, 1823, the son of Mr. Gillespie, the keeper of the 

 city square, caught a young Red Bat {L. noveboracensis), which 

 he took home with him. Three hours afterwards, in the evening, 

 as he was conveying it to the Museum, in his hand, while passing 

 near the place where it was caught, the mother made her appear- 

 ance and followed the boy for two squares, flying around him 

 and finally alighted on his breast, such w^as her anxiety to save 

 her offspring. Both were brought to the Museum— the young 

 one firmly adhering to its mother's teat. This faithful creature 

 lived two days in the Museum, and then died of injuries received 

 from her captor. The young one, being but half grown, was 

 still too young to take care of itself, and died shortly after.' 



