FAMILY PTEROPIDJB. ROUSSETTE. 



193 



FIG. 95. HKAD OF PTEROPUS. 



stranger a very singular aspect, being readily mistaken for a 

 part of the tree, or for a fruit of uncommon size suspended from 



its branches. In ge- 

 neral these animals 

 preserve a perfect si- 

 lence during the day ; 

 but if they are dis- 

 turbed, or a contention 

 arises among them, 

 they emit sharp pierc- 

 ing shrieks: and their 

 awkward attempts to 

 extricate themselves, 

 when oppressed by the 

 light of the sun, ex- 

 hibit a ludicrous spec- 

 tacle. In consequence 

 of the sharpness of 



their claws, their attachment is so strong, that they cannot 

 readily leave their hold without the assistance of the expanded 

 membrane ; and if suddenly killed during the day, they con- 

 tinue suspended after death. Hence, if it be desired to obtain 

 them in the day-time, it is necessary to cause them to take wing 

 by alarming them. Soon after sunset they successively quit 

 their hold, and pursue their nocturnal flight in quest of food. 

 They direct their course by an unerring instinct to the forests, 

 villages, and plantations, attacking fruit of every kind, and 

 doing a vast amount of mischief. In order to protect valuable 

 fruits from their ravages, the natives are obliged to inclose them 

 in nets or baskets. There are few situations in the lower parts 

 of Java where this night-wanderer is not constantly observed ; 

 as soon as the light of the sun has retired, one animal is seen to 

 follow the other at a small but irregular distance ; and this suc- 

 cession continues uninterrupted, till darkness obstructs the view. 

 The flight of this Bat (termed by the natives, the Kalong) 

 is slow and steady, pursued in a straight line, and capable of 

 long continuance. The Harpyia Pallasii of Timour, is a sin- 



