THE BAT. 
251 
by which, when deprived of sight, they are 
enabled to avoid obstacles as readily as when 
they possessed the power of vision. From 
some observations made by Sir Anthony Car- 
lisle on this subject, however, it appears pro- 
bable that it is the sense of hearing, which 
in the bats is uncommonly delicate, that en- 
ables them, when blinded, to avoid the objects 
that would impede their flight. 
The large-eared bat is capable of being do- 
mesticated to a certain degree. Mr. White, 
in his “ Natural History of Selborne,” tells us 
that he was once much amused with a tame 
bat. “ It would take flies from a person’s hand. 
If you gave it any thing to eat, it brought its 
wings round before the mouth ; hovering and 
hiding its head in the manner of birds of prey 
when they feed. The adroitness with which 
it sheared off the wings of flies, which were 
always rejected, was W'orthy of observation. 
Insects seemed to be most acceptable, though 
