96 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
bird species ; its hair, teeth, habits, and formation, 
all combining to rank it among quadrupeds. 
258. It is about the size of a mouse, or two inches 
and a half in length. The membranes, commonly 
called wings, are nothing but an extension of the 
skin all round the body. When the animal flies, the 
skin is stretched by the four inner toes of the fore 
feet, which are enormously long, and serve to keep 
it spread. It is covered with short fur ; the eyes are 
very small, and the ears resemble those of a mouse. 
259. It flies in the evening, never venturing out 
by daylight, and frequents the sides of woods and 
shady walks. In the daytime it remains concealed 
in some hollow tree, or in the crevices of some di- 
lapidated building. In the winter it lies in a state 
of torpidity. 
260. The Vampyre, a species of Bat, is found in 
the East Indies and New Holland. It is about a foot 
in length, and its wings sometimes expand to the 
width of four feet. The head bears a resemblance 
to that of a fox, and the tongue is pointed, and ter 
minated with sharp prickles. 
261. To the Vampyre is ascribed the practice of 
sucking the blood of those who sleep in exposed sit- 
uations. While sucking the blood, it continues to 
fan the air with its wings in such a manner, that 
the refreshing breeze lulls the sufferer into a still 
deeper sleep, so that the wound is not felt. Many 
wonderful stories have been related of the Vampyre, 
but we believe no persons have ever been seriously 
injured by it. 
Why should the Bat be ranked among quadrupeds ? How are 
its wings formed? Where does it stay during the day, and how 
exist during the winter ? 
Where is the Vampyre found? Describe the Vampyre. What 
practice is ascribed to the Vampyre ? 
