42 



VERTEBRATES. 



Stances have sharp protuberances. The membrane with which 

 f.hey fly, and which resembles a wing, is naked. There is either 

 a tail, or the rudiments of one. The ears are almost always large 

 in proportion to the size of the animal. The wings are a most 

 beautiful and singular construction. These consist of an ex- 

 tremely thin, light, and delicately-formed membrane, surpassing 

 the finest texture of silk, extending from one shouldej- enlirely 

 round the body to the other. This connects the fore and hind 

 legs, and is capable, from its firmness and pliableness, of being 

 contracted at pleasure into innumerable folds, so as to occupy 

 little room, and give the animal no inconvenience when at rest, and 

 also capable of being stretched to a wide extent for occasional 

 flight. The eyes are deeply seated in the head, and scarcely 

 visible. 



The Vampyre Bat. 



Bats retire upon the approach of cold weather in the au- 

 tumn, and pass the winter in a dormant state. iThey frequently 

 suspend themselves together in large clusters, thaj, by their warmth 

 they may reciprocally assist each other in resisting the efiects of 

 the cold. During this period, the powers of life seem to jjp almqs| 



