48 THE FLYING FOX. 



some animal to feed, for it would not toucn tne meat uniess it were 

 freshly cut and quite moist, forcing me to prepare morsels fit for its 

 dainty maw six or seven times daily. 



It spent the day at the top or on the side of its cage, being suspended 

 by its hinder claws, and would occasionally descend from its eminence 

 in order to feed or to drink. While eating, it was accustomed to lower 

 itself from the cage roof, and to crawl along the floor until it reached 

 the piece of meat: The wings were then thrown forward so as to 

 envelop the food, and under the shelter of its wings the Bat would 

 drop its head over the meat and then consume it. On account of the 

 sharp surface of its teeth, it could not eat its food quietly, but was 

 forced to make a series of pecking bites, something like the action of 

 a cat in similar circumstances. 



It would drink in several ways, sometimes crawling up to the water- 

 v.essel and putting its head into the water, but usually lowering itself 

 down the side of the cage until its nose dipped in the liquid. When 

 it had til us satisfied its thirst, it would reascend to the roof, fold its 

 wings about itself, and betake itself to slumber once more. 



I kept the little animal some time, but it did not appear to thrive, 

 having, in all probability, been hurt by the broom-handle which had 

 been used so freely against it, and at last was found dead in its cage 

 from no apparent cause. Although dead, it still hung suspended, and 

 the only circumstance that appeared strange in its attitude was that 

 the wings drooped downward instead of being wrapped tightly round 

 the body. 



In the attitude of repose this Bat presents a most singular figure. 

 The wings are wrapped around and held firmly to the body; the 

 immense ears are folded back, and the pointed inner ear, or " tragus," 

 stands boldly out, giving the creature a totally different aspect. 



The Bats which have heretofore been mentioned feed on animal 

 substances, insects appearing to aff()rd the principal nutriment, and 

 raw meat or fresh blood being their occasional luxuries. But the Bats 

 of which the accompanying engraving (p. 49) is an example are chiefly 

 vegetable feeders, and in their own land are most mischievous among 

 the fruit trees. 



They are the largest of the present Bat tribe, some of them measur- 

 ing nearly five feet in expanse of wing. Their popular name is Fly- 

 ing Foxes, a term which has been applied to them on account of the 

 red, fox-like color of the fur and the very vulpine aspect of the head. 

 Although so superior in size to the Vampires, the Flying Foxes are not 

 to be dreaded as personal enemies, for, unless roughly handled, they are 

 not given to biting animated beings. 



But though their attacks are not made directly upon animal life, 

 they are of considerable importance in an indirect point of view, for 



