ON THE ANATOMY OF THE AFEICAN ELEPHANT. 57 



They vary considerably in size in different parts of their circumference. 

 The first three rings, as in E. indicus, are truncated obliquely behind, the 

 space so formed being covered in by the body of the cricoid cartilage. 



The larynx (fig. 6) is of considerable size. The epiglottis, when 

 covered by its soft parts, is short, thick, and rounded. The thyroid 

 consists of two rhoinboidal wings, 4 inches long, and 3| deep, which are 

 united in front superiorly for about one inch, the deep and narrow notch 

 left between the remaining part of the wings being filled up by connec- 

 tive tissue. The superior cornua are short and scarcely project. The 

 posterior are about one inch long, and are directed downwards and for- 

 wards in close proximity with the body of the thyroid cartilage, to which 

 they are attached by connective tissue. The postero-inferior angle of 

 the thyroid cartilage also develops an articular facet ; and this is enclosed 

 with that of the posterior cornu, in the common capsule of the crico- 

 thyroid articulation. The cricoid (see fig. 6) is of the usual type. Its 

 anterior part is 1 inch deep, the posterior (somewhat pentagonal) part 2 

 inches. The processes for articulation with the thyroid stand out in a 

 step -like way, and are more or less clearly divided into two facets, 

 corresponding to the double articulating surfaces of the thyroid. 



The arytaenoids (see fig. 6) are vertically elongated. Each measures 



P. Z. S. 1879, 

 p. 431. 



Larynx of African Elephant (about half nat. size) viewed somewhat obliquely from 

 behind. The thyroid cartilage has been removed, a, points to the double facet 

 of the crico-thyroid ariculation. 



about 2f inches long by 1| broad. They have a conspicuous, vertically p - z - s - 1879, 

 directed, raised spine-like process, and a large notch behind the supero- 

 posterior angle. The cartilage of each side articulates with its fellow 

 both above and below this notch. The processus vocalis is short and 



