178 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



as, in the darkest retreats of forests, in the hollows of 

 trees, or suspended from the bark ; others in the roofs 

 of churches, the most inaccessible parts of ruins, or 

 in various places equally unfrequented. As soon as 

 twilight appears, they come abroad, pursuing those 

 insects which, like themselves, avoid the glare of 

 day, moving variously and rapidly, sometimes flying 

 swiftly over the surface of the water, then rising to 

 a considerable height in the air, and turning suddenly 

 from side to side, as their prey make efforts to escape. 



The long-eared bat is one of the most common of 

 these creatures in our country. The extraordinary 

 size of the parts from which it derives its name, their 

 beautiful transparency, and the elegant curves into 

 which they are thrown at the will of the animal, render 

 it by far the most pleasing. It is also more readily 

 tamed than any other, and may soon be brought to con- 

 siderable familiarity with those who feed and caress it. 

 It is very playful, running over and against others, pre- 

 tending to bite, but never harming its companions of 

 the same species j and its gambols are not the less amus- 

 ing from their awkwardness. 



These bats may be readily brought to eat from the 

 hand; and one which a gentleman recently had, when 

 at liberty in the parlour, would fly to any of the young 



