From the INTRODUCTION. Among the numerous agents which Nature employs for restricting the excessive increase of the insect world, the bats hold a conspicuous position. Eminently adapted to an animal regimen, the vast majority of these animals are exclusively insectivorous in their habits. Mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and even the heavily mailed nocturnal "Coleoptera," fall victims in large numbers to their voracious appetites. Certain members of the order, such as Flying Foxes (PTEROPODIDAE), are strictly frugivorous, it is ...
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From the INTRODUCTION. Among the numerous agents which Nature employs for restricting the excessive increase of the insect world, the bats hold a conspicuous position. Eminently adapted to an animal regimen, the vast majority of these animals are exclusively insectivorous in their habits. Mosquitoes, gnats, moths, and even the heavily mailed nocturnal "Coleoptera," fall victims in large numbers to their voracious appetites. Certain members of the order, such as Flying Foxes (PTEROPODIDAE), are strictly frugivorous, it is true; and others, as the Dog-bat of Surinam "(Noctula leporina)," classified as an insect-eating bat, partakes occasionally of fruit in addition to its more animal diet; none of the species found in this country, however, are known to subsist on any other than insect food. In this respect they hold a decided relationship to certain birds, and it is interesting to observe how, under different circumstances, these widely separated animals serve us to the same end. The functions which the latter perform during the day, the former assume in the evening. The latter prey upon the diurnal insects, while the former feed exclusively upon the crepuscular and nocturnal kinds. The disappearance of the birds of clay is a signal for the advent of the dusky host, which, as it were, temporarily relieve from duty their more brilliant rivals in guarding the interests of Nature. But, while thus connected with birds in their position in the world's economy, bats have none of that grace of form, or beauty of coloring so characteristic of the others. Their bodies are clumsy and repulsive; their hues are dull and unattractive - nor can the eye dwell with pleasure upon their grotesque and awkward motions. This aversion- so universally evinced toward these little animals- - is heightened by the associations of the time and place of their daily appearance. Attendant, as they are, upon the quiet hours of twilight, when the thickening gloom is conducive to the development of superstitious feeling, bats have always been associated with ideas of the horrible and the unknown. In olden times, when the imagination of the people exceeded the accuracy of their observations, it was one of the numerous monsters inhabiting their caverns and forests. It has done service in many a legend; its bite was fatal; it was the emblem of haunted houses; its wings bore up the dragon slain by St, George. It is easy to trace from this early impression the permanent position that the bat, as an emblem of the repulsive, held m letters and the arts. It is mentioned in the Book of Leviticus as one of the unclean things. Its image is rudely carved upon the tombs of the ancient Egyptians. The Greeks consecrated it to Proserpine. It is part of the infernal potion of the witches in Macbeth, while Ariel employs it in his erratic flights. In art, its wings have entered largely into the creation of those composite horrors - evil spirits, nor have modern artists escaped from the absurdity of encumbering the Satan of Holy Writ with like appendages. Of this association with the monstrous the intelligent observer ceases to take note when the finer beauties of structure develop themselves under his gaze. Upon acquaintance he learns, perhaps with surprise, that, in anatomical and physiological peculiarities, and zoological position, the bat is a subject for study worthy of the attention of the most contemplative. Indeed, no order of animals is more interesting, and none has received greater attention from the hands of savans...."
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Add this copy of Monograph of the Bats of North America to cart. $15.42, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2023 by Legare Street Press.
Add this copy of Monograph of the Bats of North America. to cart. $17.17, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2006 by University of Michigan Library.
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Add this copy of Monograph of the Bats of North America to cart. $40.03, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Nabu Press.
