Genus--unknown; therefore named after the
discoverer, and from the happy coincidence of being seen in the
evening--Vespertilio Horribilis, Americanus. Dimensions (by
estimation)--Greatest length, eleven feet; height, six feet; head,
erect; nostrils, expansive; eyes, expressive and fierce; teeth,
serrated and abundant; tail, horizontal, waving, and slightly feline;
feet, large and hairy; talons, long, curvated, dangerous; ears,
inconspicuous; horns, elongated, diverging, and formidable; colour,
plumbeous-ashy, with fiery spots; voice, sonorous, martial, and
appalling; habits, gregarious, carnivorous, fierce, and fearless.
There," exclaimed Obed, when he had ended this sententious but
comprehensive description, "there is an animal, which will be likely
to dispute with the lion his title to be called the king of the
beasts!"
"I know not the meaning of all you have said, Doctor Battius,"
returned the quick-witted girl, who understood the weakness of the
philosopher, and often indulged him with a title he loved so well to
hear; "but I shall think it dangerous to venture far from the camp, if
such monsters are prowling over the prairies.
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