161 



" While on the subject of the Kangaroo, I take the opportunity 

 to add a few remarks on the disposition of the stomacli of this ani- 

 mal. From the account of this part by Sir Everard Home it would 

 appear that the cesophagus is encompassed by the stomach in a re- 

 markable manner [Phil. Trans. vol. xcvii. p. 152. J : but this dispo- 

 sition I have not been able to observe in four dissections of the Kan- 

 garoo ; nor, from the peritoneal connexions of the viscus, can it ever 

 occur in the living animal. The stomach, indeed, is situated in a 

 manner very analogous to \vhat is ordinarily found in the Mam- 

 malia, excepting that from its great size it occupies a larger space 

 in the abdomen. 



" On laying open that cavity the sacculated character of the sto- 

 mach sufficiently distinguishes it from every other part of the intes- 

 tinal canal, and it generally extends as low down as the left lumbar 

 region. The left extremity lies in the epigastric and left hypochon- 

 driac region, folded upon itself and sternad of the cesophagus. This 

 part mušt be turned to the left, and a little dissection performed, 

 before the cesophagus can be brought into view, when it will be seen 

 long and narrovv, running -į or 5 inches within the abdomen before 

 it terminates. The extent of the stomach to the left of the cardiac 

 orifice is about 5 inches, and the termination of the cavity at that 

 end is bifid, as represented by Mr. Clift. From the cardiac or;fice 

 the stomach enlarges in bu]k,and descends to the left lumbar region ; 

 it then turns obliąuely upvvards, crossing the abdomen to the right 

 hypochoidrium, where the pyloric end makes a sudden turn down- 

 wards and backvvards, and terminates in the duodennm just above 

 the right kidney. From tliis part and the duodenum a process of 

 peritoneum is continued to the right iliac region, firmly binding them 

 down in that situation. 



" On inflating the stomach before any of its connexions are 

 destroyed, the only alteration in its position is to raiše it, and 

 throw its lower boundary forwards : but on dividing the peri- 

 toneal band which ties dovvn the pyloms and cutting across the 

 duodenum beyond the ligature, and then continuing the inflation, 

 the pyloric end of the stomach immediately rises and winds round 

 behind the cesophagus to the left side of the abdomen. It is there- 

 fore most probable, that the description alluded to was taken after 

 the stomach had been removed from the body and blovvn up -, as 

 the beautiful drawing certainly was, which illustrates the descrip- 

 tion. 



" The account given in the Paper referred to of the cuticle, villous 

 surface, and glands on the interior of the stomach, perfectiy accords 

 with nature: but the sacculi resembie more nearly those appended 

 to the first cavity of the stomach oi ihe L/ama tlian the human colon; 

 and I should think the former a more natūrai analogy." 



Mr. Owen also read the following Notės on the anatomy of the 

 American Tapir, Tupir Americanus, Gmel. 



"The death of the malė American Tapir having afforded an oppor- 

 tunity of esamining its anatomical structure, I proceed to lay before 



