1158 Life-histories of Northern Animals 



nected with the second layer. The fifth layer, of finest fibres, 

 ends as a network between the innermost layer of cells of the 

 Malpighian layer of the epidermis. The tastkorperchen are 

 shaped like a fir-cone with a rounded apex turned inwards. 

 They lie immediately below the root of the hair; and their core, 

 or central substance, is formed of a prolongation of the cells 

 forming the 2 root-sheaths, of the hair. Their length is 0.0259, 

 and their breadth 0.0175 mm. A nerve containing about 6 

 dark-edged fibres is distributed to each korperchen. Just 

 before the nerve reaches this organ it splits into 2, and 3 fibres 

 pass to one side of it, 3 to the other. The fibres are then 

 wound round the body so as to sheath its cellular core. Dr. 

 Schobl thinks it probable that the fibres on one side are con- 

 tinuous with those on the opposite side, and that there is thus 

 a bipolar arrangement here. He attributes to the fine network 

 of pale nerve fibres belonging to the fifth layer the appreciation 

 of temperature, pain, etc.; to the tastkorperchen the highly 

 exalted sense of touch. It is curious that both kinds of nerve 

 endings are connected with the Malpighian layer of skin." 



Some have sought to prove that the greatly developed ears 

 were the organs of this far-feeling, but the sum of evidence 

 goes to show that in nearly all parts of its skin the Bat has 

 these highly developed nerve endings which endow it with such 

 exquisite sensibility. 



The purpose of the antitragus has been supposed by some 

 to be closing the tragus, to protect its ear, while the animal 

 slept. But Millais points out that during sleep it hangs out- 

 wards, leaving the ear still wider open. 



The flight of all Bats is ideal; their mastery of the air 

 is perfect; far better, indeed, than that of most birds. I am 

 almost tempted to say, than that of any bird. Nothing but 

 recollections of swallow and falcon restrain the phrase. In one 

 way at least the Bat excels even these — his flight is absolutely 

 silent. He skims and darts and turns within a foot of one's 

 head, but never a swish of his wings is heard. The only bird 



