396 SHREWS, MOLES AND BATS 



The fore-limbs of a Bat differ from those of the great majority 

 of Mammals in being considerably larger than the hind pair. The 

 four fingers of the hand are much elongated and support a delicate 

 membrane which is continued along the arm and the sides of the 

 body, and on to the hind-legs. Another membrane connects the 

 hind limbs to the tail, which is generally very long. The thumb 

 of the hand is short and provided with a stout, hook-like claw, 

 by means of which the Bat hangs itself up to any suitable projection 

 during its hours of rest. The wings of the Bat are of a leathery 

 texture and entirely devoid of hair ; but the body is clothed with 

 soft fur and much resembles that of a mouse whence the old 

 English name of " Flittermouse." 



The senses of hearing and smelling are very highly developed, 

 and experiments have proved that a Bat when deprived of its 

 sight has no difficulty in avoiding obstacles, and can with per- 

 fect accuracy thread its way through a network of lines purposely 

 placed across a room to test its powers. The cry is a high, shrill 

 squeak, uttered when chasing prey on the wing, but the pitch is 

 so remarkably high that the ears of few people are able to 

 detect it. 



The order Chiroptera is divided into two groups, one containing 

 the Insect-Eating Bats, and the other the Fruit-Eating Bats. The 

 first group (Microchiroptera) contains more than four hundred 

 species. They are all of small size and usually possess a dis- 

 agreeable odour. Though a few eat a certain amount of fruit, 

 and others are blood-suckers, they are principally insectivorous, 

 and are themselves preyed upon by owls and weasels. 



The best-known Bat in Great Britain is the little Pipistrella. 

 In its appearance, size, and colour it is more like a mouse than 

 any other species. In all parts of the country and on the outskirts 

 of towns the Pipistrella may be seen flitting about in the twilight, 

 twisting and turning with wonderful rapidity as it hawks after 

 the insects which venture abroad in the dusk. By day it hides in 

 all sorts of crannies in old buildings and roofs, or in clefts of rocks, 

 rarely choosing trees when other places are available. During the 

 winter it hibernates, but is out and about again earlier than any 

 of its English relatives. Towards the middle of March it is usually 

 seen on the wing, and although normally of nocturnal habits it 

 will sometimes appear in broad daylight. ,. Small insects^ of all 



