CLASS I. MAMMALIA: ORDER 3. CHEIROPTERA. 
123 
HEAD OF SPECTEE BAT — SIZE OF LIFE. (See p. 131.) 
ORDER 3. CHEIROPTERA. 
We now come to one of the most remarkable 
groups in the whole circle of animated nature — 
the Cheiroptera. 
This order embraces the Bats, consisting of a 
great variety of species, spread over nearly every 
portion of the globe. In different countries they 
have different designations — all somewhat descrip- 
tive of their character and appearance. In Eng- 
land, they are sometimes called Flitter-mice ; in 
France, their name is Chauve-souris^ or Bald-mice ; 
in Germany, they are called Fleder-mauser. or 
Flying-mice. They constitute the Hand-winged 
family, denominated Vespertilio by Linnseus — 
a name derived from the Latin, and signifying 
bat. Though possessed of a skeleton like that 
of quadrupeds, their fore-paws, or hands, are de- 
veloped into long fingers, sustaining an exceed- 
ingly fine, thin, hairless, and semi-transparent membrane, on 
both sides of the body, which serves them as wings. Their 
flight is light, noiseless, and wavering, and less vigorous than 
that of birds; yet they turn hither and thither with great 
facility, and are thus able to pursue and catch insects — like 
themselves on the'winp- — which constitute their chief suste- 
All the family have four canine teeth, and some of 
nance. 
JAVELIN BAT — SIZE OF LIFE. 
them feed on small birds and small quadrupeds. Some kill 
and suck the blood of smaller bats ; and Mr. Blythe says that 
in India the niegaderms may be heard on quiet evenings 
crunching the heads and bones of frogs. Their legs, by means 
