254 THE HAUNTS OF LIFE 



and the curious leaves of skin about its nostrils 

 are also very sensitive, but it scarcely seems to 

 need these to show it what to avoid when 

 flying. Some say that as the bat flies it utters 

 its high-pitched cry, and that the echoes of 

 this from branches and the like help it to 

 avoid obstacles. 



On the ground the bat is very clumsy and 

 can only shuffle along, as indeed we should 

 expect from the fact that both fore- and hind- 

 limbs are taken up in the making of the wing. 



All the bats in Britain and there are about 

 fifteen different kinds belong to the smaller 

 insect-eating section. They remain in retreat 

 by day, but on mild evenings they may often 

 be seen flying about in pursuit of the gnats, 

 flies, and moths on which they feed. The 

 commonest of our bats, which is also the 

 smallest, is known as the pipistrelle. Its body, 

 covered with reddish-brown fur, is only about 

 if inch in length, but the expanse of wing 

 makes it look much bigger in the air. 



As cold weather approaches and insect life 

 gets scarce, the bats retire to winter quarters. 

 A cave, a disused chimney, the roof of a barn, 

 a church tower, a hollow tree any dark, quiet 

 spot will serve their purpose. Like other 



