480 DR. J. MURIE ON SAIGA TARTARICA. [June 9, 
It is difficult accurately to define the margin of each of the 
cartilages as they graduate into thickish fibroid tissue at their free 
edges. A rough measurement in the male animal gave the following 
results :—Alar cartilage 2 inches in long diameter by 3 inch at point 
of greatest breadth ; posterior lateral cartilage 13 ‘by 2 inch in the 
same diameters, the sesamoid or extension of the last 0°6 long by 
0:2 inch at widest. 
Separating the alar and lateral cartilages, on both sides of the nares 
is an elliptical fossa or shallow depression placed almost perpendi- 
cularly to the long axis of the cranium. This depression, indicated 
only by a dark shadow in fig. 5, consists of strongish fibrous tissue, 
but is filled ordinarily with fatty substance and delicate pale-coloured 
muscular fibres. These last, as shall hereafter be more particularly 
pointed out, may be homologous with the levator proprius ale nasi 
anterior, and levator proprius alze nasi posterior, or the true dilators 
of the nares, although here situated far behind the external narial 
apertures. 
The fibres in question still have the same function in relation to 
the cartilages of the nose, namely, movement of the ale. The long 
fibrous cords conjointly derived from the alar and postlateral carti- 
lages appear to form a superior longitudinal line of support to the 
soft nasal walls. They, being highly elastic, permit, and indeed 
assist, the muscular coverings in retracting efficiently. 
Sense of smell.—Discussing the parts appertaining to the sense 
of smell, it here seems appropriate to say a word on such habits of 
the animal as bear thereon. The nose of Saiga, I find on good 
authority, is an excellent telltale, as the information my esteemed 
colleague, Mr. A. D. Bartlett, furnishes me with proves. He says, 
“One of the difficulties attendant upon keeping the Saiga in good 
health is its daintiness. Not only is it necessary to find suitable 
food, but that food must be perfectly fresh and untouched by other 
animals ; for if a mouse, rat, or even a sparrow, feed out of the same 
trough, or touches the provender, the Saiga will not eat it. So 
delicate is the sense of its smell, and so carefully must every particle 
be handled, that I regard it as one of the most dainty feeders I have 
ever met with among animals during my long experience in these 
Gardens.” 
Another circumstance tending to show a keen sense of smell is, 
that when any disagreeably odorous substance is offered or thrown 
to the animal it seems quickly to appreciate its qualities. Although 
its curiosity be excited, it does not approach closely and sniff it, as 
most Antelopes or Deer would, but remains at a distance inspiring 
freely with dilated nostrils. 
Muscular and other structures of the face and body generally. 
I have explained at length the peculiarities of the internal nares ; 
but the structure of the external walls also demands a few remarks. 
The soft flabby nature of the proboscis has been alluded to as dif- 
