34 THE MAMMALS, REPTILES, AND FISHES OF ESSEX. 



mistake in the identification of the specimens. The latter 

 specimen, a male, he found to measure, in expanse 

 of wing, fully fourteen inches. The earlier one, being 

 badly stuffed and much shrunken, he was unable to 

 measure. 



Vesperugo noctula, Keys and Bias. NOCTULE OR 

 GREAT BAT. 



This occurs commonly at Colchester, as I believe it does 

 throughout the county. It is also one of those noted by 

 Doubleday (Zool., 1843, P- 6) as occurring around Epping. 



Bell says (Brit. Quad., ed. 1874, p. 19) that it has a shorter 

 period of activity than most of the order ; but how this mis- 

 conception arose I cannot understand, since it may be seen on 

 the wing from March to November. The latest period at 

 which I have obtained a specimen is the loth of November, 

 but I have observed it even later than this during a favourable 

 season. 



This bat, the largest of the British Chiroptera, is, in 

 colouring, the most beautiful of the order. . Its rich brown fur, 

 smoother and finer than velvet, contrasts strikingly with its 

 black wings. Although it is rare for bats to vary much in colour, 

 I once took a Noctule that was almost black. Like the rest of 

 the family, it is of a quarrelsome disposition ; and, when irri- 

 tated, its aspect betokens ferocity and savagery in a high 

 degree. 



The Great Bat well merits Gilbert White's name altivolans, 

 as its flight is rapid and high, like that of the Swift. All 

 through October, it may be noticed flying over Colchester and 

 throughout the valley of the Colne, sometimes at a great 

 height : at other times, it flies much below the tops of the 

 houses in the streets. 



Although trees are preferred by it as kybernacula, I know 

 a few haunts where it may generally be found resting between 



