ABSORBENTS OF REPTILES. 



4G1 



aorta as in Batrachia, and bifurcates anteriorly, the divisions 

 inclosing the right and left pulmonary arteries and aorta?, and 



307 



Viscera In situ, seen from behind, with the lymph-receptacle (Emys europeea). xxxvm. 



terminating at the beginning of the two precaval veins, by 

 elliptical orifices guarded by valves. The lymphatic system of 

 the trunk and limbs aifects the form of irregular plexuses and 

 dilatations. 



The lymphatic system in Lacertilia resembles in the main 

 that of Ophidia and Chelonia. In Crocudilia there are several 

 signs of advance. Hunter ' noted the white colour of the chyle : 

 the ' receptaculum ' is more circumscribed ; its anterior divisions 

 are more vasiform, more like ' thoracic ducts ; ' there is a compact 

 gland-like plexus of lacteals at the root of the mesentery. At 

 the base of the tail the lymphatics surround the artery and vein 



1 ccxxvi. vol. ii. p. 335. 



