86 BATS 



numerous than the long-eared ones. The particular species 

 under notice is as rare in England as it is common on the 

 Continent, where it frequents buildings, but not trees, In 

 respect of hibernation it retires later and reappears earlier 

 than its long-eared relatives. Its habitat is not confined 

 to Europe, but includes North Africa and extends into 

 Central Asia as far as the Himalayas. 



THE FRUIT BATS. 



The genus Pteropus (winged-foot) includes the largest 

 of the Chiroptera, of which the chief are two well-known 

 species : the Collared Fruit Bat (Pteropus collaris) and the 

 Kalong (Pteropus edulis\ Plate VI. Fig. i. Throughout the 

 East they are often called Flying Foxes by the European 

 residents. 



The Kalong of Java and the name is popularly applied 

 indiscriminately to various species in its maturity attains a 

 size equal to that of a rook. A long pointed muzzle gives 

 the head very much the appearance of a dog or a fox ; 

 and the resemblance is increased by the rather full eyes, 

 markedly cunning in expression (Plate VII. Fig. 4). The 

 animal possesses no tail, and the second finger is usually 

 provided with a claw. Its wings when spread are nearly 

 five feet from tip to tip ; and notwithstanding its size the 

 creature flaps through the air without the least audible noise. 

 It is a wise arrangement of the Creator that gives muffled 

 wings to all night-flying creatures, whether birds, moths, 

 or bats. 



Fruit Bats form immense colonies that work much 

 damage to soft-fruit plantations, such as bananas, figs, &c. 

 The Kalong in captivity will eat apples, pears, mice, 

 blackbeetles, and bits of raw meat. In the jungle it adds 

 lizards and small birds to its fruit menu. But there is some 

 compensation to the planters in the fact that these frugi- 

 vorous Bats are themselves tolerably good to eat. 



Unlike most other species, the Fruit Bats are not incom- 

 moded by light ; instead of seeking dark recesses they 

 suspend themselves from the tops of tall trees. When 

 sleeping they hang by one foot, tucking the other foot and 



