BRITISH MAMMALS 



even in one and the same species, and the reasons which 

 control these variations will lead the enquirer along 

 avenues of thought which may result in much new light 

 being thrown upon them. If there is ejfect, there must, 

 of necessity, be cause. Nothing is too trifling to notice ; 

 nothing must be taken for granted. If, for example, 

 Daubenton's, or any other Bat, is seen away from its 

 usual haunt, or some trait in its character previously un- 

 recorded comes under survey, the reason which controls 

 these divergences should be ascertained. Even the 

 distribution of animals affords an abundance of 

 original work, as has already been indicated. Primarily, 

 mammals, birds, and other creatures resort to a 

 chosen haunt for one, and perhaps t%vo, reasons ; first, 

 because it provides a suitable food supply, and 

 secondly, because it is a suitable place in which 

 to rear their young. We must not be tempted to 

 encroach any further on these problems, our aim being to 

 point the way towards some of the by-paths of animal 

 study in the hope that the field-naturalist who is desirous 

 of taking up some branch of work hitherto disregarded, 

 may, perchance, be encouraged so to do as a result of 

 what is here suggested. 



To return to Daubenton's Bat after this diversion, it 

 should be stated that the wing-stretch is about nine 

 inches, and although the colour of the fur is subject 

 to a great deal of variation in different individuals, the 

 general colour is reddish-brown above, with ash-grey 



underneath. The base of the fur is brownish-black. 

 22 



