OF SELBORNE. 4:j 



below the freezing-point, within doors. The tender evergreens 

 were injured pretty much. It was very providential that the 

 air was still, and the ground well covered with snow, else ve- 

 getation in general must have suffered prodigiously. There 

 is reason to believe that some days were more severe than any 

 since the year 1739-40. 



I am, &c. &c. 



LETTER XIV. 



TO THE SAME. 



Selborne, March 12, 1768. 



DEAR SIR, 



IF some curious gentleman would procure the head of a fal- 

 low-deer, and have it dissected, he would find it furnished 

 with two spiracula, or breathing-places, beside the nostrils ; 

 probably analogous to the puncta lachrymalia in the human 

 head. When deer are thirsty they plunge their noses, like 

 some horses, very deep under water, while in the act of drink- 

 ing, and continue them in that situation for a considerable 

 time : but, to obviate any inconveniency, they can open two 

 vents, one at the inner corner of each eye, having a commu- 

 nication with the nose. Here seems to be an extraordinary 

 provision of nature worthy our attention ; and which has not, 

 that I know of, been noticed by any naturalist. For it looks 

 as if these creatures would not be suffocated, though both 

 their mouths and nostrils were stopped. This curious forma- 

 tion of the head may be of singular service to beasts of chase, 

 by affording them free respiration : and no doubt these addi- 

 tional nostrils are thrown open when they are hard run. x Mr. 



x In answer to this account, Mr. Pennant sent me the following curious 

 and pertinent reply: U I was much surprised to find in the antelope 

 " something analogous to what you mention as so remarkable in deer. 

 " This animal has a long slit beneath each eye, which can be opened and 

 " shut at pleasure. On holding an orange to one, the creature made as 

 u much use of those orifices as of his nostrils, applying them to the fruit, 

 " and seeming to smell it through them." 



