Q U A D R U M A N A. 



9 



encircles the neck in P. poUocep/mlas, is interrupted in front and 

 scarcely apparent, though as strongly defined on the neck behind as 

 in that well-known species. It is about one-third smaller. 

 Mr. Peale observes : 



" This species was first discovered in the Island of Tutuila, and, sub- 

 sequently, in all the islands of the Samoan Group. We obtained 

 numerous specimens, and found the young animals somewhat lighter- 

 colored than the old ones, but in other respects there is but little 

 variation in color or size. It is the least gregarious and most diurnal 

 in its habits, of any of the genus which we saw ; they are frequently 

 abroad at noonday, and fly with the two hind feet together, which 

 makes them appear to have tails. They are very destructive to all 

 kinds of fruit, and are usually silent when feeding." 



Respecting this species, we find the following in Dr. Pickering's 

 journal : 



" Common everywhere in the Islands of Manua, Tutuila, Upolu, 

 and Savai, and according to report, very destructive to the bread- 

 fruit. I have myself seen it feeding on the Papaya [Carica ija- 

 imya), for though perhaps essentially a nocturnal animal, it is often 

 abroad by daylight. Its flight is then seen to be very different from 

 that of the smaller CJieiroptera, rather lofty, with slow flapping of the 

 M^ings, much like that of a heron, and occasional short intervals of 

 sailing. At a distance a stranger would hardly distinguish it from a 

 large bird ; but on its alighting, the difference is very striking ; — it 

 pitches over the branch so as to catch it with its hind feet, and, closing 

 its wings, swings suspended with its head downwards. 



" I did not examine the stomachs of any specimens of this animal, but 

 there is reason to suppose that its food is exclusively vegetable. In 

 captivity it is exceedingly ferocious and untameable, and several that 

 Ave had, died in a short time. In the evening, their quarrelsome 

 screams may often be heard from the tops of the cocoa trees, sufficiently 

 loud and harsh to be quite disagreeable. On one occasion, I witnessed 

 a battle between one of these animals and a heron, which, however, 

 was soon decided, the latter abandoning the contest." 



Having access to no specimens Pteropas poUocephaJus, and having 

 regarded it as possible that the present might be that species in an 

 immature age, our examination has been greatly facilitated by the 

 kindness of that accomplished and distinguished naturalist, John 

 Gould, Esq., of London, who most liberally and promptly supplied 



3 



