OF THE PANCREAS AND SPLEEN. o5 



of the small intestine presents a different structure : it 

 always seems like velvet, from the infinite number of deli- 

 cate fringes with which its inner surface is invested ; some- 

 times, as in the Python bivittatus, these villosities are so 

 marked that they hang in the form of small bunches ; in 

 the Eryx also they form flat papilla?, very closely set, and 

 in the form of leaves. All these appendices disappear, 

 however, towards the end of the small intestine, where the 

 longitudinal folds are observed of considerable size : the 

 P}i:hons alone have this part of the intestine provided with 

 transverse folds, analogous to the valvules which separate 

 the small intestme from the rectum. 



OF THE PANCREAS. 



The Pancreas, constantly placed in the first curvature 

 which the intestine makes below the pylorus, has a form 

 and size very variable in different Ophidians, and presents 

 in this respect accidental differences. This organ is divided 

 into a gi^eater or less number of lobules, each of which is 

 sometimes provided with a distinct excretory duct. These 

 canals are generally united to each other in accompanying 

 the biliary duct, and pour the pancreatic juice into the in- 

 testme, at a little distance from the pylorus. 



OP THE SPLEEN, 



All Ophidians have a Spleen of a globular or oval form, of 

 a pretty firm consistence, and usually concealed behind the 

 lobes of the pancreas, with which it is sometimes inti- 

 mately united ; and hence some have mistaken this organ, 

 or denied its existence. Its position varies in several 

 species, so as sometimes to occur at a distance from the 

 pancreas, and isolated at the posterior surface of the 

 stomach. Having even observed individual variations in 

 this respect, I am led to believe that the place which this 

 occupies is of small consequence in the exercise of its func- 

 tions. 



