32 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX. 

 Family VESPERTILIONID^, Dobson. 



Group I. PLECOTI, Dobson. 



Genus SYNOTUS, Keys and Bias. 



Synotus barbastellus, Keys and Bias. BARBASTELLE. 



Now that I have learned to recognise it, I do not consider 

 the Barbastelle so rare as it is usually believed to be. Still, I 

 cannot call it a common bat. Doubleday says (Zoologist, 1 843, 

 p. 6) it is not uncommon in Epping Forest. I have found 

 it, early in April, flitting slowly, and in an apparently 

 purposeless manner, near the ground, under the protection of 

 a plantation. This peculiar style of flight is one means by 

 which it may be distinguished. It is very solitary in its 

 habits, and haunts trees principally. I have always seen it 

 away from the town ; but, although it may have been noticed 

 flitting under the cover of a hedge or plantation one night, it 

 does not follow that it will be there if looked for on the 

 following evening. 



The ears of the next species are remarkable for their size : 

 those of this species for the manner in which they are united 

 across the forehead of the animal, a most unmistakable 

 character, occurring in no other European bat. Its fur is also 

 darker than that of any of our native bats, a circumstance 

 which makes it appear larger than it really is. This sombre 

 hue, and the peculiarity of the ears, will enable it to be readily 

 recognised. 



Genus PLECOTUS, Geoffrey. 



Plecotus auritus, Geoffroy. LONG-EARED BAT. 



This bat is very common in the Colchester district, and 

 usually has its haunts in buildings, although it has been 

 brought to me from hollow trees. I consider it equally 

 common throughout all parts of the county. Doubleday 



