56 THE ZOOLOGIST, 



If some of the habits of this example were typical of the 

 species, we may see in Natterer's Bat the first traces of habits 

 which have become constant in the specialised Rhinolophidce. 

 In the Horseshoes the short tail is carried recurved over the 

 back ; in Pterygistes, Pipistrellus, Plecotus, and some species 

 of Myotis, it is usually carried curved beneath the body ; in 

 M. nattereri we find the tail, although used as a pouch, is 

 carried extended behind the body. Again, the habit of turning 

 in the air before alighting appears to be constant in the 

 JRhinolophidcB, and seldom noticeable in the Vespertilionidce, 

 except in this species, where we find the Bat sometimes alights 

 in one way and sometimes in the other. Thus in habits, though 

 not in affinities, Natterer's Bat is intermediate between the two 

 families, or, rather, shares some of the characteristics of each 

 family. In its form, structure, and most of its habits it is 

 a typical Myotis. Especially is this noticeable in its position 

 when sleeping ; the wings are folded as in the Vespertilionidce, 

 and not as in the Rhinolophidce; indeed it is only in these 

 partially developed habits which I have mentioned that it differs 

 at all from its near relations. 



