PTEROPUS ROSTRATUS. 



The specific name of the species now under consideration was suggested by the 

 comparative length of tlie rostrum or muzzle. By the natives of Java it is called 

 LoiDo-assu, literally Dog-hat. In the examination of the Pteropus rostratus, I have 

 had before me three adult specimens, in a perfect state of preservation, two males and 

 one female, agreeing in size, colour, and general appearance. Several other speci- 

 mens are deposited in the Museum at the India House. The figure which illustrates 

 this article, represents our animal of the size of life. 



The entire length of the Pteropus rostratus, from the tip of the nose to the 

 extremity, of the body, is three inches and one half, of which the head and neck 

 comprise nearly one half. The extent of the wings is eleven inches and six lines. 

 The greatest breadth of the body, between the breasts, is twelve lines ; the length 

 of the arm and forearm is two inches and one line ; and of the middle finger, which 

 terminates the wing, three inches and one hne. The naked thvimb, comparatively 

 with other species of Pteropus, is of moderate length ; but the claw is large, sharp, 

 strongly compressed, and hooked. The index terminates nearly at an equal distance 

 between the thumb and the third phalanx of the middle finger ; its claw is acute and 

 short. The posterior extremities measure one inch and three lines in length ; the 

 toes are distinct, as in the other species, and armed with sharp, greatly curved claws. 

 The interfemoral membrane is unusually narrow, without the vestige of a tail, and 

 in a great measure concealed by the hairs which terminate the body. 



The head of the Pteropus rostratus has a singular form ; from the region of the 

 ears to the eyes it is broad, oblong, and of nearly uniform dimensions ; immediately 

 anterior to the eyes it is suddenly contracted, and extended into a rostrum, the 

 proportional length of which affords a marked specific distinction. The form of 

 this rostrum or muzzle is nearly cylindi-ical, and it constitutes fully one-third of the 

 length of the head. The nose is obtuse and emarginate ; and the nostrils are large, 

 circular, and pierced from the sides. The gape or expansion of the mouth is mode- 

 rate, and does not extend beyond the rostrum. The uppel- jaw is somewhat wider 

 than the lower, and both are of equal length. A few minute soUtary bristles are 

 scattered on the rostrum, and the upper lip is surrovmded by very minute hairs. 



The teeth agree in number with those of the other species of Pteropus, but 

 present in their strvicture and disposition the following pecuharities. In the upper 

 jaw the front teeth are minute, cylindrical, obtuse, distant, and not arranged in a 

 regular series ; the intermediate teeth are placed anteriorly at the extremity of the 

 jaw, while the lateral teeth are removed farther back ; they describe an arch, while 

 in other species they form a right hne. The canine teeth are very long, slenderj 



