104 



THE VAMP IB E BAT. 



Passing onwards from the arms to the hands, the hnger-bones are strangely dispropor- 

 tioned to the remainder of the body, the middle finger being considerably longer than the 

 head and body together. The thnmb is very much shorter than any of the fingers, and fur- 

 nished with a sharp and curved claw. By means of this claw, the Bat is enabled to proceed 

 along a level surface, and to attach itself to any object that may be convenient. In some of 

 the Bats the thumb is much longer than that which is here figured. 



The bones of the breast and the neighboring parts are also formed in a peculiar manner, 

 being intended to support the broad surface of the wing-membrane, and to enable it to beat 

 the air with sufficient force. The collar-bones are long, considerably arched, and strongly 



VAMPIitE BA.T.—PhyUostoma spectrum. 



jointed to the breast-bone and the shoulder-blades. In the insect-eating Bats, these bones are 

 more developed than in the fruit-eaters ; probably because the former need a better apparatus 

 for the capture of their quick-winged prey than the latter for seeking their vegetable food. 

 Some species of Bat present a collar-bone which is half the length of the elongated upper arm. 



The Vampire Bat is a native of Southern America, and is spread over a large extent of 

 country. It is not a very large animal, the length of its body and tail being only six inches, 

 or perhaps seven in large specimens, and the spread of wing two feet, or rather more. The 

 color of the Vampire 1 s fur is a mouse tint, with a shade of brown. 



Many tales have been told of the Vampire Bat, and its fearful attacks upon sleeping 

 men, — tales which, although founded on fact, were so sadly exaggerated as to cause a reaction 

 in the opposite direction. It was reported to come silently by night, and to search for the 

 exposed toes of a sound sleeper, — its instinct telling it whether the intended victim were 

 thoroughly buried in sleep. Poising itself above the feet of its prey, and fanning them with 

 its extended wings, it produced a cool atmosphere, which, in those hot climates, aided in 

 soothing the slumberer into a still deeper repose. The Bat then applied its needle-pointed 



