34 



a single layer of epithelial cells. These cells are undoubtedly 

 the secreting organs. 



The connection of the glandular tissue with the vascular system, 

 whereby the secretion is effected, is very extensive and complete. 

 The investing fibrous tunic of each lobule is filled with a net- 

 work of blood-vessels, and in this way the secreting tubes are 

 brought inclose contact with the vascular system. These vascu- 

 lar net-works are so dense, that they give the whole gland a very 

 red, spleen-like aspect. This relation of the blood-vessels to the 

 secreting tubes, is worthy of note, from its being exactly the 

 reverse of that found in the kidneys. In these last, the Malpighian 

 bodies consist of a sac-like dilatation of the end of the secreting 

 tube around a knot of blood-vessels ; while in the case in ques- 

 tion, the blood-vessels surround in a capsular manner the secret- 

 ing tubes. 



The poison, examined microscopically, appeared only as lim- 

 pid, hyaline serum, but I was surprised to find in it crystals 

 resembling those of the ammonio-magnesian phosphate. 



I may remark, finally, that a microscopic examination of the 

 sheath of the gland showed no muscular fibres there, contrary to 

 the statements of authors. (See Comp. Anat. by Siebold and 

 Stannius, Vol. II. § 107.) But the poison is probably expressed 

 forcibly into the fang by the pressure of the temporal muscle 

 pen the gland during the act of striking. 



The Corresponding Secretary read a letter from Mr 

 Charles J. F. Binney, making a donation of Bird Skins to the 

 Society. 



The thanks of the Society were voted to Mr. Binney for 

 his donation. 



Mr. Elijah Swift, of Boston, was elected Resident 

 Member. 



