CHAPTER X. 
THE BATS AND INSECT-EATING MAMMALS. 
BY W. P. PYCRAFT, A.L.S., F.Z.S. 
HESE two groups are really closely allied; but the bats are generally considered apart, 
on account of their totally different mode of life’ Originally, like their more com- 
monplace relatives, they were dwellers upon the earth, or, more correctly, among the 
trees. By gradual modification of the fore limbs, and a corresponding development of folds of 
skin attached thereto, and to the body, they have acquired the power of flight. The cobego, 
to be mentioned presently, gives us a hint of how this may have come about. 
The bats are the only members of the Mammalia which possess the power of true flight. 
The so-called flying-squirrels do not rightly deserve this title, for they have no wings. The 
wings of the bat have been formed by modification of the fore limbs, the finger-bones having 
become excessively lengthened, so as to serve as a support to a thin web of skin extending 
outwards from the body, much as the ribs of an umbrella support the covering. The hand of 
the bat is therefore a quite unique organ. 
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Photo by W’.Saville-Kenty F.ZSJ CB a [Croydon 
AUSTRALIAN FRUIT-BAT, OR «FLYING-FOX” 
This photograph shows the ‘ flying-fox”’ in its customary resting position. 
; 143 
