BRITISH MAMMALS 



it is the only Bat which is found in both the eastern and 

 western hemispheres. It is worthy of note that, although 

 possessed of the power of flight, Bats do not invade a 

 wider range of territory than they are known to occupy, 

 more especially when one remembers the wide citizen- 

 ship enjoyed by the one species now under review. These 

 problems of animal distribution are of intense interest, 

 and a special study is open to those who are smitten with 

 a desire to concentrate attention upon the entrancing 

 subject of the geographical range of animals, furred, 

 feathered and otherwise. 



The Serotine steals from its hibernating quarters in 

 late Spring, and it is a solitary species possessed of 

 slov/, hesitating flight. As its name indicates, it is 

 associated in our minds with the shades of night, when 

 the magic love-chant of the Nightingale is heard at its 

 best, and the churring warble of a restless Nightjar 

 floats soothingly adown the vale. In consequence of 

 this late appearance upon the wing, it is difficult to get a 

 good sight of this large Bat, unless the observer is willing 

 to undertake an all-night watch, as the Serotine hunts 

 right through the silent hours, and does not cease its 

 labours until dawn breaks the following morning. Then 

 a chance is afi"orded of watching its movements more 

 closely than is otherwise possible. 



It is an inhabitant of the southern parts of our island, 

 and appears to show a partiality for tall trees in woods. 

 There the gaunt, shadou^ form of the Serotine may be 

 espied on a clear night, busily engaged searching for 

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