THE BARBASTELLE 



The Barbastelle is not uncommon in France, where it was first discovered 

 by Daubenton in 1759, and is also found at a considerable height among 

 the Swiss Alps. It ranges from as far north as southern Scandinavia, south- 

 wards to North Africa, whilst eastwards its habitat extends far into Asia. 



Sowerby first recognised it as a British species from an example obtained 

 early in the nineteenth century at Dartford, Kent. 



The Barbastelle is locally distributed, and apparently by no means 

 abundant anywhere in the British Islands, and as far as known is confined to 

 England and Wales. It has often been recorded in the more southern parts 

 of the kingdom, but north of the Wash it appears to be very rare, though 

 two specimens were taken in Cumberland near Carlisle. 



Describing its habits Mr. Millais writes {Mammals of Great Britain and 

 Ireland^ vol. i. p. 43) : " Certainly the two specimens which I observed 

 and one of which I shot at Horsham were hawking for food at 9 p.m. in 

 June and July ; they flew very low, and with uncertain irregular flight. 

 This Bat can be recognised by this flight — slow and erratic — as well as the ex- 

 ceeding black colour of the pelage ; but if in the hand it cannot be confused 

 with any other species, for the ears, springing from the centre of the forehead, 

 are a character which distinguish it from all the other British Bats excepting the 

 long-eared Bat, whose abnormally long ears, however, prevent confusion." 



It was formerly thought to be more or less solitary in disposition and 

 habits, but later information shows that this is not the case, as many 

 instances have occurred showing its gregariousness and sociability. Various 

 situations are chosen as a retreat, including crevices in ruins, under the loose 

 bark of trees, or dark crannies in caves. 



I have only once had an opportunity of watching the Barbastelle in life, 

 when at Hascombe, Surrey, in July 1902, one flew into my room one 

 night, and after some difliculty, as it showed great dexterity in dodging and 

 twisting, I succeeded in catching it. 



I. 



