

US ANIMAL FUNCTIONS. 



is a remarkable provision in the stomach of the camel, 

 by the use of which that animal, and no other, is enabled 

 to traverse the wide arid arid deserts of the East. 



347. The second stomach of this animal has a separate 

 compartment, in which is situated a series of cellular, or 

 sac-like appendages, the mouths of which are capable of 

 I eing closed by strong muscular bands. These cavities 

 are the reservoirs of w r ater, so often spoke of by those 

 who have described the habits of this animal. 



348. When the camel drinks, the muscular bands are 

 relaxed, and the cells are filled with the fluid, after which 

 their mouths are closed, and the 



functions of the stomach are per- "" 



formed as usual. When the contents 

 of the stomach require to be moist- 

 ened, which is indicated by a sense i 

 of thirst, the bands are relaxed, and 

 a sufficient quantity is allowed 

 escape. Fig. 82 represents a portion ^jnH| 

 of the stomach, showing these ap- | 

 pendages on a small scale, with the !|W(PP^WflP 

 muscular bands relaxed. 



349. It is said that the sagacious animal, when about to 

 start on a journey across the desert, which he probably 

 discovers by the preparations, distends these water vessels 

 to the utmost with the precious fluid, which remains pure 

 and sweet to the end of the journey. 



350. Water-Cells in the Elephant. It is well known 

 that the elephant has a method of dislodging insects from 

 such parts of his body as he cannot reach with his trunk, 

 by forcibly ejecting a quantity of water on them ; and 

 this he does, though he has drank no water for several 

 hours. 



351. The fountain whence the elephant obtains water 

 for this purpose, appears to have remained a mystery until 

 Sir E. Home discovered in the stomach of this animal, 

 a cavity similar to that of the camel, and capable of 



What is said of the difference in the stomachs of ruminants, with, and 

 without horns? What is said of the water sacs of camels ? 



