Molossus. The only doubt I had was whether the genus Nyctinomus of Isidore Geoffroy should properly be 
separated from the genus Molossus established by his father. In order to determine this, if possible, I have 
cleaned a number of specimens and instituted a minute comparison. The results scarcely justify a sub- 
generic difference. With respect to the gular pouch, that appears, so far as my specimens in spirit inform 
me, to be peculiar to the Australian species ; but I strongly suspect that it will be found to be a peculiarity 
due to sex and age, perhaps even in some measure to season, rather than of generic value. In the genus 
Taphozous this gular sac is entirely dependent on the age and sex of the animal, and its absence or presence 
has been made use of as a specific character very improperly. 
“It is not a little remarkable that this Australian species should possess characters (with the exception of 
the pouch) which are as similar to the European ones as to any other species. I have often been surprised 
that Australia does not furnish a single form among the Bats that are not common to nearly all the world 
besides ; indeed, many of the species are found in the Indian islands, and, curiously enough, in China . A 
collection of Chinese Bats which I have lately examined consisted of Indian and Australian species. I have 
taken very great pains in the examination of the drawing, and have prepared skeletons of several species on 
purpose to compare them. I would strongly advise you to continue the name of Molossus Australis, and 
you may, if you like, add that the animal belongs to that division of the genus which has been designated 
Nyctinomus. “ Ever yours truly, 
“ R. F. Tomes.” 
This, then, is all that I am at present able to communicate respecting the species, and it affords me much 
pleasure to furnish even this meagre account, for a more interesting animal I have not seen for some time. 
The following is a description of the animal in the United Service Museum : — 
Fur soft and dense, that of the upper surface of a deep reddish brown, and extending on to the basal 
parts of the limbs ; fur of the under surface of a similar but much lighter hue, bordered on each side of the 
body by a broad fringe of white, which extends in a lesser degree on to the base of the lower limbs and the 
posterior part of the body ; wing-membranes extremely thin, and presenting a silvery appearance ; ears and 
face dark purplish brown. 
Total length 6| inches ; extent of the wings from tip to tip I5i- 
The figure is of the natural size. 
