Molossus. The only doubt I had was whether the genus Nyctinomus of Isidore Geoffroy should properly be
separated from the genus Molossus established by his father. In order to determine this, if possible, I have
cleaned a number of specimens and instituted a minute comparison. The results scarcely Justify a sub-
generic difference. With respect to the gular pouch, that appears, so far as my specimens in spirit inform
me, to be peculiar to the Australian species ; but I strongly suspect that it will be found to be a peculiarity
due to sex and age, perhaps even in some measure to season, rather than of generic value. In the genus
Taphozous this gular sac is entirely dependent on the age and sex of the animal, and its absence or presence
has been made use of as a specific character very improperly.

“Tt is not a little remarkable that this Australian species should possess characters (with the exception of
the pouch) which are as similar to the European ones as to any other species. I have often been surprised
that Australia does not furnish a single form among the Bats that are not common to nearly all the world
besides ; indeed, many of the species are found in the Indian islands, and, curiously enough, in China. A
collection of Chinese Bats which I have lately examined consisted of Indian and Australian species. I have
taken very great pains in the examination of the drawing, and have prepared skeletons of several species on
purpose to compare them. I would strongly advise you to continue the name of Molossus Australis, and
you may, if you like, add that the animal belongs to that division of the genus which has been designated
Nyctinomus. ‘* Ever yours truly,

“RR. F. Domus.”

This, then, is all that I am at present able to communicate respecting the species, and it affords me much
pleasure to furnish even this meagre account, for a more interesting animal I have not seen for some time.

The following is a description of the animal in the United Service Museum :-—

Fur soft and dense, that of the upper surface of a deep reddish brown, and extending on to the basal
parts of the limbs; fur of the under surface of a similar but much lighter hue, bordered on each side of the

body by a broad fringe of white, which extends in a lesser degree on to the base of the lower limbs and the
posterior part of the body ; wing-membranes extremely thin, and presenting a silvery appearance ; ears and
face dark purplish brown.
Total length 6% inches i f j i ip 15
otal length OF inches ; extent of the wings from up to tip lot.
The figure is of the natural size.