54 THE LOG OF THE SUN 



how much their owner depends upon them for 

 information. If we suddenly move up closer to 

 the wires, the bat opens both wings owl-like, in a 

 most threatening manner; but if we make still 

 more hostile motions the creature retreats as 

 hastily as it can, changing its method of progress 

 to an all-fours, sloth-like gait, the long free thumb 

 of each hand grasping wire after wire and doing 

 most of the leverage, the hind legs following 

 passively. 



When at what he judges a safe distance he again 

 hangs pendent, bending his head back to look 

 earnestly at us. Soon the half -opened wings are 

 closed and brought close to the shoulders, and in 

 this, the usual resting position, the large claws of 

 the thumbs rest on the breast in little furrows 

 which they have worn in the fur. 



Soon drowsiness comes on and a long elaborate 

 yawn is given, showing the many small needle- 

 like teeth and the broad red tongue, which curls 

 outward to a surprising length. Then comes the 

 most curious process of all. Drawing up one leg, 

 the little creature deliberately wraps one hand 

 with its clinging web around the leg and under 

 the arms, and then draws the other wing straight 

 across the body, holds it there a moment, while it 

 takes a last look in all directions. Then lifting its 

 fingers slightly, it bends its head and wraps all in 

 the full-spread web. It is most ludicrously like a 

 tragedian, acting the death scene in "Julius 



