276 



BATS. 



such an occasion witliout noticing a manoeuvre wliich at fii-st looks like the falling 

 of a tumbler-jiigeon, but on closer observation proves to be simply a closing of the 

 A\dngs, and a conse(|uent drop of about a foot. Sometimes this is repeated every 

 few yards as long as he is in sight. It is occasioned by some large and intractable 

 insect having been captured, and the anterior joint of the wing, with its well-armed 

 thumb, is required to assist in retaining it until masticated. Sometimes, however, 

 food is not so easilj' obtained. With a cold east wind, oi-, indeed, a strong wind 

 from any quai-ter, a change of hunting-ground is required : and the noctule maj' 

 often be seen taking a humble and silent flight in some sheltered ami warm comer, 



THE >'CK-IL"LE ^liat. oize). 



fluttering about with half-closed wings, and appearing to be very little at home, or 

 indeed like himself, for we recall an instance where several were shot under the 

 belief that thej- were of some unknown species." 



In Sikhim and Xipal the habits of the noctule appear to be much the same as 

 in Europe, but it does not hibernate. In Nipal it appears to be of rare occurrence, 

 as Dr. Scully states that he only procured one specimen, which was caught in the 

 following manner, during the month of July : " About eight o'clock in the evening," 

 writes Dr. Scully, " I heard the verj' shrill scream of some small animal in \\\\ 

 bedroom, and, on going into the room, I found this bat attached to the mosquito 

 net covering mj' bed. In its flight, it had apparently alighted on the net, and 

 there got its claws so firmly entangled that it could not escape." 



