94 THE LONG-EARED BAT. 



change of old for new matter in the depositary cells 

 cf the body : this kst is proved by the animals' en- 

 tering into the torpid state very fat, and reviving 

 excessively em.aciated ; and from this it appears 

 that the oil, in the fatty follicles of the cellular 

 membrane, is gradually taken up by tlie absorbent 

 vessels into the languid circulation, to supply the 

 proportionally gradual waste, occasioned by the 

 more than half suspended action of the emuncto- 

 ries *. — They retire at the end of summer to their 

 hiding places, where, generally in great numbers, 

 they remain suspended by the hind-legs, and en- 

 veloped in their Vvings-j-. 



The Eat, like the Mouse, is capable of being 

 tamed to a certain degree ; and we are told by 

 Mr. White, that he was once much amused with 

 the sig,ht of a tame Bat. "■ It would take Flies out 

 of a person's hand. If you gave it any thing to 

 eat, it brought its wings round before the mouth, 

 hoverino; and hiding; its head in the manner of birds 

 of prey when they feed. The adroitness it shewed 

 in shearing oft'' the wings of the Flies, (which were 

 always rejected) was worthy of observ.ition, and 

 pleased me much. Insects seemed to be most 

 acceptable, though it did not refuse raw flesh when 

 offered ; so that the notion that Bats go down 

 chimnies, and gnav>^ people's bacon, seems no im- 

 probable story. While I amused m.yself with this 



• 'I'heiO (ib; e, vaticii?; apply to all tl;c«:c animal?, of every dcscrip- 

 tioLj, ihat 'j:o iuto a torpid state during; winter. 

 ■'i Kerr, 1.94. 



