THE BAT 79 



as it is termed, is about fifteen inches in length, 

 and gradually tapering ; it is thick and powerful. 

 With the exception of man, the otter has no 

 enemies which it has occasion to fear at least, 

 not in these islands. It was formerly supposed 

 that the otters which inhabit our sea-coasts were 

 a different variety to those found inland ; such a 

 supposition has, however, been long since refuted 

 by naturalists, both animals being now classified 

 alike. Those found on the sea-coasts of Scotland 

 and Ireland are said to be larger and darker in 

 colour than the inland otters. This is probably 

 due to the greater amount of food procurable by 

 the former. 



Although they can scarcely be included amongst 

 those animals which may be termed * dwellers in 

 fields,' the present seems a suitable opportunity 

 for making some short reference to the bats which 

 are to be found in these islands. My own 

 observations as to the habits of these creatures 

 have been very scanty, and such information as I 

 possess regarding them has been gleaned from the 

 works of those naturalists who have devoted their 

 attention to them. 



All varieties of bats at all events, those to be 

 found in Britain are insectivorous, and all are 

 nocturnal in their habits. They make their 

 appearance when the daylight is fading some 

 later than others and seek their food amongst 

 the myriads of insects which throng in the 

 twilight, fluttering hither and thither, up and 



