172 



BATS 



and constantly on the wing. The Red Bat is a swift flier, 

 and much more of an aerial gymnast than any bird I know. 

 In its flight it can turn abruptly with marvellous precision, 

 and to me it is a constant source of wonder that it can fly so 



THE RED BAT. 



rapidly, turn and double so quickly, and dart in all possible 

 directions without striking something. Almost any bird at- 

 tempting to fly over the course of a Red Bat, and at the 

 same speed, would probably come to grief in a very short 

 time. 



The only mistake that Red Bats are prone to make is in 

 flying into houses through open windows, and instantly for- 

 getting the location of the means of escape. Once in a room, 



