LETTER XIV. 



To the same, 



SELBORNE, March \2tk, 1768. 

 EAR SIR, If some curious gentleman would 

 procure the head of a fallow-deer, and have 

 it dissected, he would find it furnished with 

 two spiracula, or breathing-places, besides 

 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 drinking, 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 communication with the nose. 1 Here seems to be 

 an extraordinary provision of nature worthy our attention; 

 and which has not, that I know of, been noticed by any 



1 The glands to which White here alludes are not breathing-places, and 

 have no connection with respiration. They are secretive organs, found 

 also in all deer and antelopes, as well as in the common sheep : they 

 exude an odorous body, which is probably important as adding to the 

 attractiveness of its possessor, like musk and civet. It belongs to a group 

 of special allurements the origin of which is fully worked up by Darwin in 

 " The Descent of Man." ED. 



