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FARM VERMIN, HELPFUL AND HURTFUL, 



indicate generally that their food is such as to give them a 

 place among the farmer's friends. 



The Great Bat [Vesperttgo noctidd) is a tree-loving 

 species, and, avoiding buildings, it generally affects hollow 

 oaks. Its preference for this special tree need not be won- 

 dered at when we remember what a host of insect enemies 

 the oak harbours. As a species it is gregarious, and wherever 

 a colony is found, there immense numbers of May-chafers 

 {MeloIo7iiha vulgaris) are devoured. Here is a testimony 

 from Bell of the Great Bat's usefulness The Noctule, in 

 general conformation, is essentially adapted for the mastica- 

 tion and capture of coleopterous insects. The broad muzzle 



THE COMMON BAT. 



and strong jaws are found quite equal to the reduction of 

 the stubborn elytra of beetles as large as the cockchafer (of 

 which, according to Kuhl, he will consume as many as 

 thirteen, one after the other), and the wings are in no way 

 deficient in power when in pursuit of insects. During the fine 

 midsummer evenings, when cockchafers are abundant, and 

 you hear them humming on every side, the noctule is in his 

 glory. Then he flies high and straight, and you hear his 

 shrill but clear voice as he passes overhead, interrupting him- 

 self only to dart at some prey, and then passing on. But an 



