PTEROPUS ROSTRATUS, 
The specific name of the species now under consideration was suggested by the 
comparative length of the rostrum or muzzle. By the natives of Java it is called 
Loico-a&m, literally Dog-hat In the examination of the Pteropus rostratus, I have 
had before me three adult specimens, in a perfect state of preservation, two males and 
one female, agreeing in size, colour, and general appearance. Several other speci- 
mens are deposited in the Museum at the India House, The figure which illustrates 
this article, represents our animal of the size of life. 
The entire length of the Pteropus rostratus, from the tip of the nose to the 
extremity of the body, is three inches and one half, of which the head and neck 
comprise nearly one half. The extent of the wings is eleven inches and six lines. 
The greatest breadth of the body, between the breasts, is twelve lines ; the length 
of the arm and forearm is two inches and one line ; and of the middle finger, which 
terminates the wing, three inches and one line. The naked thumb, comparatively 
with other species of Pteropus, is of moderate length ; hut the claw is large, sharp, 
strongly compressed, and hooked. The index terminates nearly at an equal distance 
between the thumb and the third phalanx of the middle finger ; its claw is acute and 
short. The posterior extremities measure one inch and three lines in length ; the 
toes are distinct, as in the other species, and armed with sharp, greatly curved claws. 
The interfemoral membrane is unusually narrow, without the vestige of a tail, and 
in a great measure concealed by the hairs which terminate the body. 
The head of the Pteropus rostratus has a singular form ; from the region of the 
ears to the eyes it is broad, oblong, and of nearly uniform dimensions ; immediately 
anterior to the eyes it is suddenly contracted, and extended hito a rostrum, the 
proportional length of which affords a marked specific distinction. The form of 
this rostrum or muzzle is nearly cylindrical, and it constitutes fully one-third of the 
length of the head. The nose is obtuse and emarginate ; and the nostrils are large, 
circular, and pierced from the sides. The gape or expansion of the mouth is mode- 
rate, and does not extend beyond the rostrum. The upper jaw is somewhat wider 
than the lower, and both are of equal length. A few minute solitary bristles are 
scattered on the rostrum, and the upper lip is surrounded by very minute hairs. 
The teeth agree in number with those of the other species of Pteropus, but 
present in their structure and disposition the following peculiarities. In the upper 
jaw the front teeth are minute, cylindrical, obtuse, distant, and not arranged in a 
regular series ; the intermediate teeth are placed anteriorly at the extremity of the 
jaw, while the lateral teeth are removed farther back ; they describe an arch, while 
in other species they form a right line. The canine teeth are very long, slender, 
