514 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



length is about two inches and a half; the extent 

 of the wings nine inches. 



It makes its first appearance early in the sum- 

 mer. It sleeps during the day, and begins its 

 flight in the dusk of the evening. It frequents the 

 sides of w r oods, glades, and shady walks; and is 

 frequently observed to skim along the surface of 

 the water in quest of gnats and other insects, which 

 are its principal food. 



Its membranes or wings are of a dusky colour, 

 and very thin ; they extend from the fore feet to the 

 tail: the hind feet are divided into five toes, fur- 

 nished with claws ; the body is covered w r ith a short 

 soft fur, of a mouse-colour, tinged with red; the 

 eyes are very small; and the ears like those of a 

 Mouse; it has four cutting teeth in the upper jaw, 

 and six in the under. 



The female produces two young at a time, which 

 she suckles at her breast ; and is said to carry them 

 when flying. 



Towards the end of summer, the Bat retires into 

 caves, old buildings, or hollow trees, w r here it re- 

 mains in a state of inactivity. During winter, some 

 cover themselves with their w r ings as with a mantle, 

 and suspend themselves by the hind feet; others 

 stick fast to old walls; and some retire into holes.* 



* At an ancient mansion of Sir Hugh Owen, near Pembroke, in 

 consequence of a stench in a closet, the wainscot was taken down, 

 and 280 Bats were found and killed. Many of the females had two 

 young ones hanging at their teats : they were a small kind of Bat, 

 with little ears and almost black. The young ones were quite naked, 

 like callow birds. Communicated by John Trevelyan, Esq., JH/V, 

 1808. 



