82 
Quadrupeds 
parts of our country, is remarkable for the large size of 
its ears, which are nearly as long as its little mouse-like 
body, and composed of a membrane so delicate as to be 
almost transparent. In front of the concave part of each 
of these enormous ears there is a slender, pointed mem- 
brane, which gives the little creature a most singular 
appearance when reposing; for the great membranous 
ears are then folded up, and carefully stowed away 
under the wings, whilst these pointed lobes, being of a 
stronger substance, still project from the head, and look 
like a pair of little horns. The Long-eared Bat seems 
to be one of the most interesting and amiable species of 
its tribe ; it may be easily tamed, and, indeed, exhibits 
great confidence from the first moment of its capture. 
When several are kept together they will play in an 
awkward manner, which is very diverting, and will 
soon learn to take their insect food not only from the 
hand, but even from the lips of their owner. 
THE YAMPYEE BAT. (Phyllostoma Spectrum.) 
Thu Vampyre Bat, which is a large species, is notorious 
for its very bad habit of sucking the blood of men and 
cattle. In making its attacks on man it exercises the 
greatest caution, alighting close to the feet of its in- 
tended victim during his slumbers, and fanning him 
with its broad wings to keep him cool and comfortable 
during the subsequent operations. Having made the 
proper arrangements, the Yampyre proceeds to bite a 
little piece out of the great toe of the slumberer, and 
although the wound thus caused is so small that it 
would not receive the head of a pin, it is deep enough 
