THE MAMMALS OF THE BRISTOL DISTRICT. 
57 
not unfrequently to be seen hawking about in bright sunshine. A 
beautiful “ white-winged ” variety of this species was obtained at 
Frainpton Cotterell in September, 1891. It was an adult female 
measuring 8J-inches in expanse; the wings and ears were white, like 
white tissue paper ; the legs, arms, digits and tail, as well as the nose 
and chin were pinkish flesh colour : the head and body only slightly 
lighter brown than normal (Zoologist, October, 1901 ). 
The Whiskered Bat. — Vespertilio mystacinus (Leisler.) 
Sometimes abundant in old roofs, and occasionally in caves and 
quarries. “ A colony of nearly 100 was found at Willsbridge in July, 
1888, all females, many with young ; these were naked with flesh- 
coloured bodies and black heads and wings, and appeared blind, and 
measured to 3-inches in expanse” (Victoria History of Somerset). 
These Bats have also been found in April, in the Dundry caves. 
The Reddish-grey Bat. — Vespertilio nattereri (Kuhl.) 
This Bat has occurred in caves near Bath, and in Gloucestershire, so 
there seems no doubt that though probably very rare, it does occur in 
the district. 
The Barbastelle. — Synotiis hay'hastellas (Keys.) 
This is another very rare species; a specimen was picked up in 1898 
near the Tramway Centre in Bristol, and it has occurred at Stroud, so 
it may be confidently expected to turn up again in the district. 
INSECTIVORA. 
The Hedgehog. — Erinaceiis euvopoens (Linn.) 
Common in suitable localities, is nocturnal, and is partial to eggs 
and young birds, which has given it a bad name with the farmer and 
gamekeepei- ; swims well. A captive female littered on the 24th of 
June and had three young. 
The Mole. — Talpa europcea (Linn.) 
An abundant species. A pale salmon-tinted variety is not in- 
frequent in some parts of the district ; there is also a variety black 
and white in patches; the white patches having slightly longer fur; 
also a “chinchilla ” grey variety. 
The Common Shrew. — Sorex vulgaris (Linn.) 
A very common species, often found dead. Owls consume numbers 
of them. 
The Pygmy Shrevy. — Sorex minutus (Linn.) 
This, the common Shrew of Ireland, is uncommon with us, but it has 
occurred in the Leigh Woods and a few other localities. 
