76 Dr Jacob on the Infra-orhital Cavities 



a species of antelope first described by Dr Herman Grimm, 

 this organ secretes a fluid of such peculiar and distinct cha- 

 racter that no doubt can be entertained of its nature. He de- 

 scribes it to be a yellowish, fatty, and viscous humour, having 

 an odour between musk and camphor. Vosmaer says that it 

 hardens and becomes black in time, and that the animal rubs it 

 off on the rails of its cage, but he could not detect the musky 

 odour. Pallas, who describes the Antilope grimmea particularly, 

 concurs in these observations. 



It may be objected to the conclusion, that these are organs 

 for the production of an odoriferous secretion, that the sac ex- 

 hibits so little of glandular character that it appears inadequate 

 for the purpose, especially when several of the external openings 

 alluded to, as that on the head of the elephant and the back o^ 

 the peccary, are merely the outlets of considerable glands ; but 

 on the other hand, many organs of this character are mere sacs, 

 as that on the face of the bats, the bottom of which presents a 

 peculiar folded appearance, and the cavities in the musk and 

 beaver, which afford the odoriferous secretion in such large 

 quantity. 



A statement respecting these infra-orbital cavities has been 

 made by the Rev. Gilbert White in his Natural History of 

 Selbourne, which might appear to originate in some error, were 

 it not supported by the more recent testimony of Major Hamil- 

 ton Smith. These gentlemen state, that when the deer drinks, 

 the air is forced out through these cavities, and, according to 

 Major Hamilton Smith, may be felt by the hand, and affects 

 the flame of a candle when held to it. Notwithstanding such a 

 positive statement by two observers of established character for 

 faithful description, the passage of air through these cavities 

 cannot take place, they are perfectly impervious toward the nos- 

 tril ; but I have no doubt that the fact stated is correct, the air 

 which escapes passes, not through the infra-orbital sacs, but 

 through the lachrymal passages, which are very large, consisting 

 of two openings capable of admitting the end of a crow's quill, 

 the entrance to a tortuous canal, which conducts the tears to the 

 extremity of the nose. Introducing a pipe into the outlet of the 

 nasal duct at the extremity of the nose, I can, without difficulty, 

 force a current of air or water through the nasal duct ; and it 



