10 bat's eaes. 



the spot where the bat was last seen, and by casting 

 a strong light from a bull's-eye lantern, discovered a 

 little black object snugly ensconced at the very back 

 of the shelf. 



I pushed my hand towards the spot, but for some 

 time could not seize the creature, as it was so tightly 

 packed, and squeezed into a corner. At last the bat 

 gave a flap with one of the wings, which I caught, 

 and so gently drew my prisoner forwards. 



He was a brave little fellow, as well as discreet, 

 and bit savagely at my fingers. However, his little 

 tiny teeth could not do much damage, and I put 

 him into a cage which I brought with me. 



The cage was originally made for the reception of 

 mice, and was of a rude character — the back and 

 ends being of wood and the front of wire. In a very 

 few minutes after his entrance into the cage, the bat 

 climbed up the wooden back, by hitching his claws 

 into the slight inequalities of the wood, and there 

 hung suspended, head downwards. 



When so placed, his aspect was curious enough. 

 The claws of the hind legs being fixed into a crevice, 

 so as to bear the weight of the body, the wings were 

 then extended to their utmost, and suddenly wrapped 

 round the body. At the same time the large ears 

 were folded back under the wings and protected by 

 them, the orifice of the ear itself being guarded in a 

 very singular manner. 



If the reader will refer to the figure of the bat on 



