CHEIROPTE 



23 



Fig. 24. 



The Genus Galeopithecus Flyings-Lemurs, so called 

 is placed here by De Blainville and others. The Galeo- 

 pitheci are .closely related to the Bats, but differ from 

 the latter by the fingers of the for- 

 ward extremities being furnished 

 with trenchant nails, which are no 

 longer than those of the feet, so that 

 the membrane which occupies the 

 spaces between them, and which is 

 continued as far as the tail, can per- 

 form no other functions than those 

 of a parachute. Hence they can- 

 not properly fly, but are able, by 

 the sustaining membrane, to make 

 leaps of several hundred feet in ex- 

 tent. They live on trees in the In- 

 dian Archipelago, and feed upon insects, and probably 

 fruits to some extent. 



Galeopithecus. 



SUB-SECTION III. 



THE ORDER OF CHEIROPTERA, OR BATS. 



The Order of Cheiroptera comprises mammals whose 

 distinguishing characteristic consists in a fold of skin 

 which, commencing at the sides of the neck, and extend- 

 ing between the four members and fingers of the anterior 

 extremities, supports the animal in the air, and enables 

 it to fly. In most cases they have the arms, forearms, 

 and fingers excessively long, forming, with the membrane 

 mentioned above, true wings of great extent of surface, 

 so that they are able to fly long and rapidly, and execute 

 movements as varied and complicated as those of birds. 

 Their eyes are excessively small, ears generally large, 

 thumbs short and armed with a sharp hooked claw, hind 

 feet weak and divided into five toes armed with trenchant 



