CHAPTER X. 



THE BATS AND INSECT-EATING MAMMALS. 



BY W. P. PYCRAFT, A.L.S., F.Z.S. 



THESE 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 commonplace 

 relati\-es, the}' 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. Tlie cobego, to be 

 mentioned presently, gives us a hint of how this may have come about. 



The bats are the only members of the jMammalia 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 forined by modification of the fore limbs, the finger-bones having 

 become excessivelv lengthened, so as to serve as a su[H)(jrt to a thin web of skin extending 

 outwards from the body, much as the ribs of an umlirella support the covering. The hand 

 of the bat is therefore a quite unique organ. 



Photohy W. aaritU-Kcitt, F.}!..-i.} 



[Croiidfiii. 



AUSTRALIAN FRUIT-BAT, OR "FLYING-FOX. 

 This photograph shows the " fljing-fox " in its customary resting position. A photograph of it flying is sliown on page v of Introduction. 



1G5 



