/ 



Description of Vespertilio Audubonu 217 



A third belonged to a very natural genus, of which two spe- 

 cies exist in the warm regions of the old continent ; but this was 

 specifically different from both, and, as regards America, the ge- 

 nus even is entirely extinct. 



< There were likewise others which belong to the same genera 

 with some now naturally inhabitants of the same region. These 

 are two species of bos, and one of cervus. 



There is no evidence of any animals of the carnivorous order 

 having accompanied them. 



They appear to have perished by the agency of water, which, 

 after transporting their remains a moderate distance, deposited 

 them in a mass where they have since been found. 



They were succeeded, after an interval, by the species which 

 now inhabit the country. 



DESCRIPTION OF VESPERTILIO AUDUBONI, A NEW SPECIES 



OF BAT. 



By Richard Harlan, M. D. 



Op the numerous creatures which attract our admiration, or 

 excite our fears, the greater part display their appetites, or de- 

 velope their instincts, during the day time only; especially — 

 with few exceptions — all those remarkable for beauty of plumage, 

 and vocal melody. Predacious animals are chiefly distinguished 

 for their nocturnal habits ; and ideas of rapine, terror and blood, 

 are ever associated with the tiger, the hyena, and the wolf. 

 Among the feathered tribes, the owl and the bat, also companions 

 of darkness, are shunned by many, as horrible objects, and full 

 of ill-omen. Haunted castles, ruined battlements, and noisome 

 caverns, are the chosen abodes of these nocturnal marauders, 

 and it is to such associations that these animals are indebted for 

 the unamiable character they have obtained. The prejudices 

 conceived against that portion of these animals, with which we 

 are familiar, are founded entirely upon these their habits ; for 

 small quadrupeds, reptiles and fish, constitute the food of the first, 

 whilst insects and fruit suflftce for the other. It is at the close of 

 the day, when the hum of nature is beginning to subside, that 

 the patient bat steals from his dark retreat, and spreads his 

 leathery wings in search of his food. 



Vol. 1.-28 



