OEDEE OF CHEIEOPTEEA. 52o 



The majority of the Cheiroptera have their molar teeth studded 

 with conical points. The Roussettes, however, have molars with 

 a flat crown, but they feed upon fruits. There are also some of 

 the Cheiroptera, such as the Vampires, which fasten upon animals, 

 even Man, to suck blood. 



As soon as the sun has descended below the horizon the 

 Cheiroptera issue from their lurking places to wander abroad in 

 search of food. They are then seen to pursue and catch, on the 

 wing, such Insects as abound during twilight. Who has not 

 observed, after a fine summer's day, the wheeling, tremulous 

 course of the Bat in quest of its prey ? Who has not remarked 

 its erratic, yet graceful flight ? The part this creature plays in 

 nature, with regard to the poetry of night, is so familiar, that it 

 would seem as if something were wanting in its sombre harmony 

 did the Bat not pass and repass at regular intervals. 



Bats usually have only one offspring at a time. As soon as 

 brought forth, the mother carefully cleans it, envelops it in her 

 wings as in a cradle, and holds it pressed against her breast to 

 receive its first nourishment. After some days, the youngster can 

 hang by the claws of its hind feet to the fur of the mother, and it 

 is not rare to see her flying about with this strange burthen. 

 When, exceptionally, the progeny are double, then the winged 

 nurse carries both in her aerial voyages. 



It has been remarked by close observers that these animals are 

 particularly cleanly, and spend much time in dressing their fur. 



Generally the Cheiroptera, when in captivity, die in a short 

 time. Some, however, have lived in imprisonment, and even 

 become familiar with the people whom the relations of every 

 day have taught them to recognise. Dr. Franklin says that 

 he has seen, in several farms in England, Bats which were 

 perfectly tame. These little creatures lived in the same room 

 with the farmer's family. If any one, holding an Insect between 

 his lips, imitated the buzzing of a fly, they perched upon his 

 shoulder, sought for the insect around his mouth, and even seized 

 it from between his lips. 



In the East, there are few inhabited houses in which Bats do 

 not reside. In summer, many are seen hanging to the arches of 

 the cellars in Bagdad, and living on good terms with the natives, 

 who are in the habit of shutting themselves up in such places to 



