138 MEDICAL ZOOLOGY. 



of anterior part of body from back to hoof, 1" 10"; height of posterior part 

 from rump to hoof, 2' 2" 6'". (Pallas.) 



The skeleton bears a close resemblance to that of Cervus (deer). Cer- 

 vicals, 7; dorsals, 14-15 ; lumbars, 6. Metatarsal and metacarpal bones, 

 two in number, in each limb, but anchylosed along their entire length a 

 groove more apparent in posterior than the anterior limbs indicating the line 

 of original division. The former bones much longer than the latter. The 

 toes articulate by distinct condyles to the 'canon bone,'* each toe being 

 composed of three phalanges, the terminal ones being hoofed. Placed in 

 connection with the ' canon bone,' two supplementary toes are seen, as in 

 other bi-sulcate ruminants, but here are larger than usual, project downwards, 

 each composed of three segments, the terminal one furnished with a delicate 

 hoof closely resembling that of the hog. In the hind limb a rounded rudi- 

 ment of a tarsal bone intervenes between the first phalanx and the shaft of 

 the ' canon.' But in the front limb the corresponding toe is in relation with 

 a bone of greater size in the form of a conical mass which is firmly secured 

 to the canon by means of ligaments. 



The disposition of the viscera agrees in its main features with that of the 

 true bi-sulcate ruminants. The musk apparatus is peculiar to the male. It 

 is situated in the median line of inguinal region midway between the navel 

 and orifice of the prepuce, but nearer the latter. It apparently consists of 

 an inversion of skin at the position of the prepuce, forming a sac-like 

 chamber of a rounded oval shape, flat above, convex beneath. It is longer 

 than wide, and rests posteriorly upon the penis, for the reception of which 

 it presents beneath a deep median groove. Smooth upon its superior border, 

 where it is in constant contact with the abdominal muscle, the inferior as- 

 pect is in relation with the skin. The sac is sparsely covered with hairs, 

 which converge obliquely to the circular excretory opening. 



The affinities of the Moschidae are with the Cervidaef and Tragulidae. J They 

 resemble the Cervidae in structure of canon bone, number and arrangement 



* ' Canon bone ' is the representative of the metacarpus in the anterior and the 

 metatarsus in the posterior extremity. 



j- Cervidse. Upper canine teeth in many. Horns cast annually, peculiar to males 

 (in females none, one species excepted). Sebaceous glands in front of eye. A soft 

 layer of hair at the hind feet in most. Tail short, sometimes very short. (Van der 

 Hoeven.) 



J Tragulidse. Placenta diffuse. Incisors in an interrupted series. Space in median 

 line. Central incisors very large, with wide flattened crowns. Stomach with three 

 chambers only (the psalterium being absent). Musk sac none. 



Genera. Tragulua. Metatarsal and metacarpal bones (os canon) nnited in median 

 line. Lateral digits well developed, and prolonged. Intermaxillaries articulating 

 with the nasal bones. Habitat. Java and Sumatra. 



Hysemoschus. Median metacarpal bones distinct throughout life. Mctatarsals at 

 first distinct, afterwards become united in median line. Lateral digits well developed, 

 robust, and attached along the entire length of the median metatarsals. Intermax- 

 illaries do not articulate with nasal bones. Habitat. Africa. (A. Milne Edwards.) 



