A REMARKABLE ACCUMULATION OF BATS. 409 



supposed to be graudfatliers, of a reddisli hue, which was thouglit to be from 

 ag-e. These vermin are generally more or less covered with a small-sized bug 

 not very dissimilar to the common chinch, but of a different species. As pre- 

 viously stated, the bat has a very disagreeable odor, which also pertains to its 

 ejection. 



The manure as well as the bodies of the slain was used to fertilize the flower- 

 ing and vegetable garden, and thus, in some degree, they served to comi)ensate 

 us for the annoyance to which we had been subjected. The manure, however, 

 required to be applied with caution, since, if used in too large a (piautity, it ap- 

 peared to burn the organism of the plants. 



'1^0 remove the very disagreeable odor which remained in the upper part of 

 the house, various kinds of disinfectants were employed with some advantage ; 

 but the most eifectual method resorted to was that of opening holes of about 

 four inches square, two at each gable end, to permit a current of air to pass 

 through. These holes were covered with iron gauze to prevent the re-cntranco 

 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 barely 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 ver- 

 min. In this country the common bed-bug ( Chncx Icctularis) is frequently 

 found upon their fur. The entrance of a bat, with its precious burden, into the 

 open window of a farm-house is the solution of that frequ(>ntly propounded 

 question of the despaiiing housewife, "Where can the bugs come from?"] 



