138 RUMINATION. 



regurgitation from the natural state. This simple experi- 

 ment upset the view entertained by Fluorens, that regular 

 boluses were formed between the pillars of the oesophagus, 

 to be carried back to the mouth. It, moreover, proved how 



Fig. 71. (COLIN.) 



false was the view, that masses could be forced up into the 

 gullet by spasmodic contractions, which never occur in the 

 rumen and reticulum. 



Comparative anatomy, as shown also by Colin, demon- 

 strates how false were the theories regarding the uses of the 

 oesophagean pillars. He indicated, as may be seen from the 

 subjoined cut (Fig. 72), which I borrow from his work, that 

 the llama, and even dromedary, have only a single pillar 

 over which the semi-solid food is directed, and by which it 

 is certainly not pressed into the gullet. 



I have especially to caution my English readers from be- 



