105 
distinctive cogency to the balance of hypothetical analysis. I firmly 
believe that the comparative perfection of our knowledge of the 
proper definitive allocation and relative position of organized beings 
— whether arranged in groups, species, or individualities—depends 
solely on the accuracy and grasp which an extended experience and 
observation alone can supply; and I respectfully submit that no 
structural phzenomenon, great or small, external or internal, scarce 
or invariable, can be too unimportant to be carelessly eschewed. 
We have seen the highest animal existences organically linked with 
the members of the vegetable kingdom by the discovery of starch in 
the human brain, whilst the abundant presence’ of cellulose in the 
Tunicated Molluscs affords a more striking illustration of the funda- 
mental unity of all organized being. Without enlarging further, 
however, on general facts and principles, I return to the direct 
subject-matter of this paper, in order to enforce more strongly the 
zoological value of the glandular body above described. The giraffe 
is an animal admittedly osculant between the Cervine, Antilopine, 
and Cameline ruminants—partaking of characters more or less com- 
mon to all these groups; and here we have (in addition to the 
peculiar horns, and the partially distinctive cranial, lingual, and 
external modifications subservient to the animal’s mode of existence) 
an entirely unique development connected with the digestive system. 
When, therefore, it is considered that this marked peculiarity is not 
known to be shared by the allied families above referred to, and that 
the complexity of the organ has arriyed at a point far beyond the 
ordinary development of Peyer’s patches, I think it but fair that 
zoologists should candidly admit the utility of anatomical researches 
and welcome any structural discovery which gives aid to their defi- 
nitions, and which, in the instance under consideration, palpably 
justifies the recognition of the giraffe as the type of a separate 
family. I consider the force of this argument is in no degree less- 
ened by the circumstance, that, on separate and at the same time 
thoroughly judicious grounds, Dr. Gray and others have already 
advocated this separation, the most striking character which they 
employ for this purpose having reference to the existence of pseudo- 
ceratophorous epiphyses permanently invested by a hairy integu- 
ment, 
In conclusion, I may remark that zoological science should not 
be allowed to resemble an eviscerated carcass, but its proportions 
should be shaped and its constituent parts welded together by data 
gathered from every phase of biological inquiry, though this may 
oceasionally involve a prominent recognition of deep-seated ana- 
tomical appearances, and sometimes even extend to purely chemico- 
vital manifestations. 
2. ON THE OccURRENCE oF AMERICAN Birps tN EvrRore. 
By Herr H. GArKke or HELIGOLAND. 
The route by which American birds proceed to Europe is, as 
Yarrell justly terms it, “an interesting problem, of difficult solu- 
