THE NGCTULE OR GREAT BAT. .49 



observed flying abroad in fine evenings, till the 

 end of July. It does not, however, often continue 

 later than July, and is thus a midsummer animal 

 only. It ranges high in search of food, and is sel- 

 dom to be seen hawking for insects near the 

 ground, or immediately over the surface of water. 

 Both in this lofty feeding, and in its early appear- 

 ance and retirement, the Noctule Bat seems to be 

 affected, with respect to the others of its tribe, 

 much as the Swift is with the other species of Swa.1- 

 lows; and, most probably, from the same cause, 

 namely, the short continuance of some peculiar 

 sorts of high-flying gnats or moths. The appear- 

 ance and continuance of both the animals are, no 

 doubt, regulated by the presence and defect of 

 their peculiar food* 



When, in the year 1769, the Rev. Mr. White, of 

 Selborne, first remarked these Bats in his parish, 

 and before he had procured any of them, he con- 

 jectured that, from their peculiarly high flight, and 

 great size, they were, at that time, undescribed as 

 British species. In 1771 he observed two indivi- 

 duals, which, as they were usually seen flying to- 

 gether, he supposed to be a male and female. One 

 of them, a male, was caught and brought to him; 

 and, in an evening or two afterwards, the other, 

 which, on examination, he found to be a male also. 

 From this circumstance, and from the very rare 

 occurrence of the animals, at least in his neighbour- 

 hood, of Selborne, he began to suspect that they 



E might 



