OF ORGANIZED BEINGS. 421 



this membrane extends the whole length of its pro- 

 boscis. 



In most fish the nostrils are double ; but in a few they 

 are quadruple. Their sense of smell must therefore be 

 very acute, and afford them a powerful inlet of pleasure. 

 Some kinds of fish are extremely fond of aromatic sub- 

 stances, and are thereby easily led into the snares of the 

 angler, when he is disposed to take advantage of their 

 weakness. 



The blowing holes of the cetaceous tribes are sup- 

 posed to be their organs of smell ; but this is by 

 no means certain. This sense is supposed to exist in 

 most amphibials and worms ; but where the organ is lo- 

 cated, if there is any distinct organ, is not known. 



Where the organ of sense resides in insects, is not 

 certainly determined. That they have the power of dis- 

 tinguishing the odorous properties of substances in an 

 eminent degree, is a well established fact ; but whether 

 it is developed in the stigmata or feelers, or some other 

 organ, has not yet been ascertained. 



The olfactory nerves are immediately exposed, but 

 they are in a measure protected from the action of the air, 

 which is constantly passing over them during the process 

 of respiration, and from acrid substances, by the rnucus 

 which covers them, and which is secreted by glands em- 

 bedded in the membrane. 



Almost all bodies in nature, whether animate or inani- 

 mate, send forth some odor. This odor circulates in the 

 atmosphere, and comes in contact with the olfactory 

 nerves of different animals, and produces in them differ- 

 ent sensations. To one animal the odor of a plant may 

 be highly agreeable, but to another extremely unpleasant. 



It is fortunate for animals and for mankind, that the 

 same materials produce different Impressions that there 

 is a variety of tastes that no two individuals are exact- 

 ly alike either in form, feeling, character, or expression ; 

 for this variety is the source of everything that is beau- 

 tiful or interesting in the physical as well as the moral 

 world. 



The organs of tasting and smelling in all animals are 

 BO situated as to render mutual assistance to each othen. 



