THE BARBASTELLE 
The Barbastelle is not uncommon in France, where it was first discovered 
by Daubenton in 1759, and is also found at a considerable height among 
the Swiss Alps. It ranges from as far north as southern Scandinavia, south- 
wards to North Africa, whilst eastwards its habitat extends far into Asia. 
Sowerby first recognised it as a British species fi-om an example obtained 
early in the nineteenth century at Dartford, Kent. 
The Barbastelle is locally distributed, and apparently by no means 
abundant anywhere in the British Islands, and as far as known is confined to 
England and Wales. It has often been recorded in the more southern parts 
of the kingdom, but north of the Wash it appears to be very rare, though 
two specimens were taken in Cumberland near Carlisle. 
Describing its habits Mr. Millais writes (Mammals of Great Britain and 
Ireland, vol. i. p. 43) : " Certainly the two specimens which I observed 
and one of which I shot at Horsham were hawking for food at 9 p.m. in 
June and July ; they flew very low, and with uncertain irregular flight. 
This Bat can be recognised by this flight — slow and erratic — as well as the ex- 
ceeding black colour of the pelage ; but if in the hand it cannot be confused 
with any other species, for the ears, springing from the centre of the forehead, 
are a character which distinguish it from all the other British Bats excepting the 
long-eared Bat, whose abnormally long ears, however, prevent confusion." 
It was formerly thought to be more or less solitary in disposition and 
habits, but later information shows that this is not the case, as many 
instances have occurred showing its gregariousness and sociability. Various 
situations are chosen as a retreat, including crevices in ruins, under the loose 
bark of trees, or dark crannies in caves. 
I have only once had an opportunity of watching the Barbastelle in life, 
when at Hascombe, Surrey, in July 1902, one flew into my room one 
night, and after some difficulty, as it showed great dexterity in dodging and 
twisting, I succeeded in catching it. 
I. 9 . B 
