82 Quadrupeds. 



parts of our country, is remarkable for the large size of 

 its ears, which are nearly as long as its little mouse-like 

 body, and composed of a membrane so delicate as to be 

 almost transparent. In front of the concave part of each 

 of these enormous ears there is a slender, pointed mem- 

 brane, which gives the little creature a most singular 

 appearance when reposing; for the great membranous 

 ears are then folded up, and carefully stowed away 

 under the wings, whilst these pointed lobes, being of a 

 stronger substance, still project from the head, and look 

 like a pair of little horns. The Long-eared Bat seems 

 to be one of the most interesting and amiable species of 

 its tribe ; it may be easily tamed, and, indeed, exhibits 

 great confidence from the first moment of its capture. 

 When several are kept together they will play in an 

 awkward manner, which is very diverting, and will 

 soon learn to take their insect food not only from the 

 hand, but even from the lips of their owner. 



THE VAMPYRE BAT. (Pliyllostoma Spectrum.) 



THE VAMPYRE BAT, which is a large species, is notorious 

 for its very bad habit of sucking the blood of men and 

 cattle. In making its attacks on man it exercises the 

 greatest caution, alighting close to the feet of its in- 

 tended victim during his slumbers, and fanning him 

 with its broad wings to keep him cool and comfortable 

 during the subsequent operations. Having made the 

 proper arrangements, the Vampyre proceeds to bite a 

 little piece out of the great toe of the slumberer, and 

 although the wound thus caused is so small that it 

 would not receive the head of a pin, it is deep enough 



