44 BRITISH BATS. 



the barbastelle (Barbastellus communis). This bat 

 exhibits a considerable affinity to the Plecoti or 

 long-eared bats. The ear is similar in form, but is 

 smaller, or has the transverse ridges less prominent, 

 and the sinus on the outer margin deeper. The 

 tragus is more sharply pointed at its extremity 

 than in Plecotus auritus, and the base is wider. 

 The eyes are peculiarly small, and the nostrils are 

 situated in a hollow space destitute of fur, and 

 extending tp the ears. The muzzle is also square 

 and short. The fur is rather long, and very soft 

 in texture ; the colour on the head and . back being 

 brownish black, shading off into reddish brown on 

 the hinder parts. This depth of tint on the fore- 

 part of the body will alone readily serve to dis- 

 tinguish the barbastelle from any other of our 

 known species of Cheiroptera. The throat, breast, 

 and lower parts are dark grey, the ears, wings, and 

 muzzle black. The dentition is as follows : Incisors, 

 -j ; canines, I ; prsemolars, ; molars, ; total, ft. 

 The barbastelle is somewhat larger than the long- 

 eared bat, a male for some time in my possession 

 presenting the following measurements : 



in. lines. 



Length from nose to root of tail ... 2 4 



Length of tail 1 9 



Extent of wings ... ... ... 10 7 



Humerus ... 11 



