Volume II. Fuly, r88s. Number 1. 
JOURNAL 
OF 
MOK PHOROGY. 
OBSERVATIONS ON THE STRUCTURE OF WHE 
GUSTATORY ORGANS OF THE BAT (Vesper- 
tilio subulatus). 
FREDERICK TUCKERMAN, M.D., 
' Amuerst, Mass, 
THE present paper contains a description of the anatomy of 
the taste organs of a single species of Chiroptera. It is highly 
probable that further study of these organs in other species of 
this interesting group of animals will reveal important varia- 
tions, respecting both position and structural characters, from 
the results embraced in this short memoir. 
It will be of interest first to notice briefly the form and gen- 
eral appearance of the tongue of this mammal. 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TONGUE. 
The organ measures 13.5 mm. in length, its greatest transverse 
diameter is 5 mm., and at its thickest part it measures 4 mm. 
Anteriorly, it is free from the floor of the mouth for 6 mm., or 
nearly half its length. The upper posterior surface is slightly 
convex, and has a nearly uniform breadth. In the anterior half 
of the organ the lateral margins gradually converge, blending at 
the tip in a slightly rounded or pointed extremity. The upper 
surface of this portion of the tongue is marked by several sub- 
parallel, transverse rugze or folds, with corresponding depressions 
between them. These folds decrease in size as they approach 
the anterior extremity of the organ, and cease altogether at 
1.5 mm. from its apex. The dorsal surface is unmarked by any 
