4 CLASS MAMMALIA, 



feet themselves into all the nooks of the labyrinth 

 in which they nestle, even after their eyes have been 

 taken out, probably by the diversity of impulsions 

 from the external air. They are nocturnal animals, 

 and in our climates pass the winter in a lethargic 

 state. During the day they remain suspended in 

 obscure retreats. They generally have two little 

 ©ties at a birth, which they hold clinging to their 

 breasts, and the size of which is very considerable 

 in proportion to that of their mother. 



This genus is very numerous, and contains several 

 subdivisions. » 



At first they must be divided into 



The Roussettes, (Pteropus, Briss.) 



Which have sharp incisors in each jaw, and cheek- 

 teeth with flat crowns, or more properly with two 

 longitudinal and parallel projections, which are se- 

 parated by a furrow, and wear away in course of 

 time by attrition. From this conformation, as it 

 might naturally be presupposed, they subsist prin- 

 cipally upon fruits. They are, however, sufficiently 

 dexterous in the pursuit of birds and the smaller 

 quadrupeds. These are the largest of the bat-kind, 

 and their flesh is used for food. Their habitat is 

 the East Indies. 



The membrane in this subdivision is sloped to a 

 considerable depth between the legs. There is 

 scarcely any tail. The fore-finger, about one half 

 shorter than the middle, has a third phalanx and a 

 little nail which is wanting in the other bats : but 



