186 CATTLE. 



nmst be continually in contact with the ground, and cannot always 

 be in, the cleanest state. Nature has given the best of defences 

 against this. The outer covering of the upper lip is tliicldy studded 

 with glands, and a fluid can be seen pouring out from them. If an 

 ox be watched, diops are seen coursing down his muzzle, and falling 

 on the ground. The upper lip, in health, is always wet; the insect 

 cannot easily fasten, nor dirt accumulate ; or if the one adhere, or the 

 other collect, the tongue is protruded, it passes over the moistened 

 surface, and all is clear again. 



We notice the secretion from these glands when we form a judg- 

 ment of the animal, and the degree of disease. While the muzzle is 

 moist, i. e., wliile tlie natural secretions are going forward, there is 

 no great constitutional disturbance, and consequently no great dan- 

 ger ; in proportion as that secretion is lessened, there is general 

 sympathy with some local affection ; and when it becomes altogether 

 suspended, it is an indication of much universal derangement. There 

 is nothing more in this secretion than in any other, but it is easily 

 observed, and the changes in it can be accurately marked. 



THE MEMBRANE OF THE MOUTH. 



This is thin and delicate, compared with the external integument. 

 Every part of the mouth is lined with it, and it contains numerous 

 glands, occasionally rising into little papillae, from which a consider- 

 able portion of the usual moisture of the mouth is derived. The 

 gums and the bars ai-e covered by this membrane, but they are den- 

 ser and less sensible. 



THE BARS. 



These consist of a firm substance, of a cartilaginous nature, adher- 

 ing to the bones of the roof of the mouth, by numerous little cords, 

 penetrating into these bones. They are hard and adherent, that the 

 food may be rolled against the palate, and formed into proper 

 masses for swallowing, whether in the first or second mastication. 

 The palate is divided into numerous ridges running across the 

 mouth, and on the posterior edge of which there is a fringed border, 

 consisting of papillae of much consistence and strength, and all 

 pointing backward ; so that the food is permitted to travel back- 

 ward, in this process of formation into pellets, but cannot again get 

 into the fore part of the mouth. 



THE PAD ON THE ANTERIOR MAXILLARY BONE. 



These bars are rather flat, harJ, and irregular, and these papillae 

 at the edges of the bars are quite strong. The bars thicken towards 

 the fore part of the mouth, and there they accumulate into a pad, or 

 cushion, which covers the convex extremity of the anterior maxillary 



