BATS. 437 



toes together, and serves as a paddle. The fore-paws possess 

 great grasping powers, and have a hand-like appearance. The 

 ears are small, sharp, and pointed, and the head tapering. It 

 possesses also large cheek-pouches, similar in their use to those 

 of monkeys. It is thus enabled to stow away the creatures it 

 catches on its aquatic excursions, and to keep them there till 

 it returns to the shore to dine. It feeds principally on fish, 



THE YA.POOK. 



crustaceans, and aquatic insects. So similar is it in its habits 

 to the otter, that it is frequently described as one, and has been 

 called the Demerara otter ; but it is in reality a true opossum. 



BATS. 



No animal's physiognomy can be more hideous, when seen 

 from the front, than the countenance of the largest South 



