532 
MAMMALIA. 
membrane is more or less developed, according to the genera ; 
the tail varies in length, or is altogether absent, as the species 
differ. 
The Yampires, also named Phyllostoma, after one of the 
principal genera, are the Bats of Central and South America. 
They are very destructive, as much from their size and strength as 
from their carnivorous habits. 
The travellers and naturalists who have visited these countries 
1 ig 231.— V umpires Attacking Travellers. 
are unanimous in their declarations to the effect, that not content | 
with devouring insects, the Yampires fix themselves on domestic 
animals, and even Man, to suck their blood. Oxen, Horses, 
and Mules, are persecuted by them when care is not taken 
to have them enclosed in stables at night. It is not necessary | 
to believe, however, what has sometimes been advanced, that such 
wounds are dangerous enough to cause death ; these are unreason- 
able exaggerations. But the more or less prolonged haemorrhage, 
