98 Lachrymal Shuts of Deer, 



iiuisky odour, Pallas, who describes the Autilope griinmea particularly^,, 

 coucurs in these observations. 



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

 production of an odoriferous secretion, that the sac exhibits so little of glan- 

 dular 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 of 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 odori- 

 ferous secretion in such large quantity. 



A statement respecting these infrarorbital cavities has been made by 

 the Rev. Gilbert White in his Natiu-al History of Selbourne, which might 

 appear to originate in some error, were it not supported by the more recent 

 testimony of IMajor Hamilton Smith. These gentlemen state, that when the 

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

 Major Hamilton Smith, may be felt by the hand, and afiects the flame of a 

 candle when held to it. ISTotwithstauding 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 nostril ; 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 lai'ge, consisting of two openings capable 

 of admitting the end of a crow's quill, the entrance to a tortuous canal, 

 v/hich 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 

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

 therefore appears reasonable to admit that the effect observed by the two 

 gentlemen alluded to, arose from the animal forcing the air into the nostrils 

 while nose and mouth were immersed in water. Even in the human subject 

 air may be forced up the nasal duct into the lachrymal sac, by filling the 

 cavities of the nose from the lungs while the nostrils are closed by the hand. 



Persons following up this investigation should be aware that these 

 cavities exist in a very imperfect state in many species, being, in fact, merely 

 i-udimental, and capable of affording the secretion which they are destined 

 to provide in others. The last traces of the organ may even be detected in 

 goats, sheep, and perhaps all the ruminants. It is a beautiful example of 

 that adherence to an original tj])Q or model which is so conspicuous in animal 

 organization, and as if in obedience to a law that all the ruminants should 

 )ye provided with a sinus beneath the eye for the secretion of a peculiar 

 matter, but tliat it should remain in an imperfect or unfinished state in those 

 wlio do not require such additional aid to distinguish sex or recognise 

 species. 



Since the above was written I have had an opportunity of examining 

 tlicge sinuses in the Wapiti {Elaphvs Canadensis.) and obtained from one of 

 the cavities a large solid mass of the indurated secretion like that found in 



