of the Mammary Organs of the Kangaroo. 63 



surface, and closely confined by cellular connections to the skin 

 of the pouch {tab. 2. /. 2. a.). To the upper and outward part of 

 this structure a second glandular substance of smaller size was 

 firmly attached by dense cellular membrane, appearing of a more 

 loose and delicate texture, and possessing less vascularity than 

 the former ; of a yellowish-brown colour, and of an oblong and 

 compressed shape {tab. 2. /. 2. b.). From the interior of this 

 second gland a number of white membranous bands resembling 

 ducts passed to the extremity of the teat ; and I could discover 

 no further connection, than that afforded by cellular membrane, 

 between the larger glandular substance and the smaller ; the 

 teat and the lesser gland, which I have just mentioned, appear- 

 ing to form a distinct and separate mammary organ. As far, 

 therefore, as my dissections had yet gone, the larger gland 

 appeared altogether unconnected with any structure by which 

 its secretions might be rendered subservient to the purposes of 

 furnishing nutrition to the young. Believing, however, that this 

 structure must be in some way or other connected with the for- 

 mation or functions of those teats which had not yet been de- 

 veloped, I proceeded to examine whether any and what con- 

 nection might exist between these large and obviously important 

 glands, and the follicular openings I have already described as 

 occupying the situation of the future teats. 



On passing a small probe through one of these openings, I 

 found that the instrument entered a cavity about three-fourths 

 of an inch in length ; and on carefully dissecting away the 

 surrounding portions of the gland, it appeared that this cavity 

 was formed by a narrow, membranous, cylindrical canal, which 

 was imbedded in the gland, and extended nearly throughout 

 its whole diameter {tab. 2./. 2. c). The connections between 

 this membranous tube and the gland were loose and easily 

 broken down, except at the furthest extremity from the aper- 

 ture. 



