50 Cheiroptera. MAMMALIA. Cheiroptera. 
permitted to fly about, while various obstacles were 
placed in tlieir way. Even in this unhappy condition 
the poor creatures avoided every liinderance, know- 
ingly turned shai'p corners, and passed through threads 
suspended from the ceiling of an apartment, when the 
intervening spaces between the several cords scarcely 
exceeded in width the lateral diameter of the animals’ 
bodies from wing to wing. The results of these experi- 
ments have been since confirmed. The astonishing 
phenomena thus exhibited at first induced Spallanzani to 
believe in the existence of a sixth sense, and this opinion 
appeared to receive general favour. It was reserved, 
liowever, for the illustrious Cuvier to suggest that the 
faculty in question resided in the winged and inter- 
femoral expansions of the skin, and was immediately due 
to the high sensibility of that structure. This membrane 
was then, as now, well-known to be extensively supplied 
with nerves, but it still remains to be demonstrated 
whether these nerves terminate in special tactile cor- 
puscles, or touch bodies, such as Wagner not long ago 
discovered in the tips of the human finger, or whether 
any other specialization of neural tissue may not be pre- 
sent. In the phyllostomes, or leafy-mouthed bats, the 
tongue presents a curious sucking apparatus, consisting 
of numerous processes on the surface; and these acting 
together enable them to draw in the juices of the 
animals or fruits on which they feed. In regard to the 
digestive organs we find modifications of structure co- 
ordinating with the varying characters of the teeth in 
the two principal cheiropterous groups. Those feeding 
on insects present a simple stomach, such as we see in 
the ordinary Carnivora, whereas this organ in the fru- 
givorous species displays characters more in harmony 
with the complicated stomach of vegetable-feeding 
quadrupeds. 
The habits of the bat family are nocturnal or crepus- 
cular. During the day they lie concealed in dark 
recesses, and are to be sought for in the hollow cavities 
of trees, in holes of walls, and in rock}’’ caverns; having 
an especial liking for ancient ruinous buildings, among 
v/hose architectural irregularities thej'’ discover most 
appropriate hiding-places, suspending themselves by 
their hind feet, the head being directed downwards. 
As the shadows of evening approach with gradually 
deepening gloom and silence, our twilight-loving friends 
steal forth from their various snug retreats. The soft 
moist air of closing day, no longer heated by the 
summer’s sun, is favourable to the chase, while the 
accumulating sweetness of the balmy air, aggravated, 
it may be, by the occasional hum or buzz of some 
insect wanderer as it flits by the lonesome retreat of a 
half-awakening phyllostome, can no longer be resisted. 
Tbe contracted crumpled-up wings are now unfolded ; 
the drooping auricles become expanded and erect ; the 
hour for action has arrived, and one by one each issues 
forth with comforting expectancy. Such being the 
preparatory attitude and behaviour of our aroused 
phyllostome, let us now direct our thoughts to the 
objects of pursuit — what of them ? Thus may we 
soliloquize. Poor insects ! you too have issued forth 
on your self-seeking errands. Hither and thither you 
glide on in dreamy unconsciousness of the destiny that 
awaits you. But in carrying out nature’s provision for 
your abundant increase, you have, as it were, exceeded 
the proper bounds. Though we acknowledge this 
excess is more apparent than real, you cannot entirely 
lay claim to our sympathy. We admit it is no fault of 
yours, yet, there you are, sometimes disputing possession 
of the air by your intolerable profusion. You have 
propagated too fast. Like a healthy shrub you have 
vegetated too actively, and, in a numerical point of 
view, 3mur very budding outbids all human calculation. 
To us your success in this particular has become a 
nuisance, and our welfare is involved in your partial 
abrogation. I am glad to see the cheiropterous des- 
troyers are at hand, for to them your multiplicity is an 
occasion of rejoicing. Talk of destruction ! In early 
days the swift-winged arrow did its appointed work, 
and to-day, alas ! the deadly rifle slays its numerous 
human victims. But watch yon tiny vespertilio, see 
with what skill she steers her rapid flight. One after 
another each fluttering victim disappears, as with 
sudden stroke its course is finished bj^ the flittermouse’s 
grasp. Sic transit gloria insectorum. Yet this mode 
of living is imposed upon the Vespertilio as a wise 
necessity. She not only purifies the air of super- 
abounding insect forms, but at the same time, secures 
her proper sustenance; she supports her delicate fabric 
by the legitimate employment of her means, and 
accomplishes this purpose without occasioning pro- 
longed pain or unnecessary torture. How suggestive 
and beautifully true to nature, therefore, are the sacred 
psalmist’s words — “ Thou openest thine hand, and 
fillest all things living with plenteousness.” 
Another habit among Cheiroptera must not pass 
unnoticed — we allude to hyhernation. This remark- 
able state of inactivity occurs during tbe winter season, 
and is a provision of nature not so much brought about 
by the mere existence of cold, as by the circumstance 
of the supply of insect food being stopped. It is well 
known, indeed, that some animals belonging to the 
insectivorous mammalia, properly so called, hybernate 
in tropical countries during the summer months, for the 
excessive heat and dryness of the atmosphere causes 
the same scarcity of insect life. Whatever may be the 
explanation of the changes produced in animals so 
circumstanced, it will be readily understood that those 
occurring under opposite conditions must be equally 
astonishing. Here we have a strangely-modified 
existence — a meagre semblance of vitality — at the 
portal of whose doors death seems ever ready to enter 
in and claim possession. Suspended in the secret 
recesses of his temporary grave, our little bat expe- 
riences the chill of those coming events that cast 
shadows before them. But a short time since we 
watched his aerial flittings, as he joyously snapped up 
his prey; but his pastime is over, not a few insects 
have perished, and the larvae of others lie buried in the 
earth, hoping to assume the more perfect imago form 
in the approaching spring. Left in this apparently 
forlorn condition, the bat gives itself over to a pro- 
found repose, while a series of physiological changes 
steal over him such as Professor Owen has thus 
faithfully portrayed — “ The breathing becomes gradu- 
ally slower than in ordinary sleep, the pulsations of the 
heart diminish in force and frequency, the supply of 
