32 Remarks on Pteropus Edulis, Geoffroy. 



Oval, lateral, plain orifice immediately between the bones of the 

 pelvis, which approximate. In both sexes the parts are placed so 

 forward, that it is probable they copulate face to face. Urethra, or 

 womb of female, furcates into two branches, with an ovarium at 

 either extremity. 



Mammce. — Two, pectoral, very far back, remote, immediately un- 

 der axillae, very large in female. 



Sternum keel-shaped as in birds, for attachment of the strong 

 pectoral muscles. Liver large, deeply divided into four lobes. In- 

 testines very much as in human subject, but apparently no colon 

 or ccecum. Spleen large and long, ribs 12, clavicles distinct. Con- 

 dyles of jaw transverse oblong preventing lateral motion. Nasal 

 bones prolonged to end of muzzle, so as to leave but a trifling quan- 

 tity of cartilage. 



Habitat. — Throughout Continental India, but not beyond the 

 Cis-Himalayan range (I believe). In Java, Sumatra, Malacca, and 

 most probably throughout the Eastern Archipelago and Southern 

 China. Frequents large trees in groves, open country or forest, but 

 always near cultivation. 



Remarks. — The "Flying fox" is one of the commonest 

 animals of India, and one of the most characteristic features 

 of a tropical night. Every evening these animals may be 

 seen flying heavily along in one particular direction, singly 

 or in parties of 5 or 6. As they seldom alight until the dusk 

 has deepened, their manners and method of procuring their 

 food on the trees they frequent is seldom noticed, at least 

 by the casual observer, however familiar their demon-like 

 forms may be to him, as they flag heavily through the night air. 



The Pteropi rest during day-light on some large tree, 

 preferring for this purpose the tamarind, which they never 

 quit when once selected, although equally inviting trees may 

 be in the immediate vicinity. Generation after generation 

 resort to this one tree, until excess of numbers forces a part 

 to select another, but the transfer is not effected without 

 difficulty, the oldest bats ejecting the weaker and younger. 

 It must have been a familiar sight to many, to see some 



