DR. J. MURIE ON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CAAING WHALE. 259 
change of calibre, into distinct small and large intestine, although the mucous mem- 
brane regionally changes its character. The total length of the gut is 97 feet 4 inches, 
or about nine times the length of the animal; but in Jackson’s smaller male the pro- 
portions were as 8 to 1, and in Williams’s 7 to 1. From this I infer that, as in other 
Mammalia, the intestine bears a relation to the age of the animal. 
As to the intestinal diameter, the following tabular view expresses gradation of calibre 
at various points :— 
inches. 
Diameter at dilate duodenalend. . . ..... . 4 
Diameter about 2 feet from pylorus. . . . . . . . 28 
Diameter about 12 feet from pylorus . . . . . . . 24 
Diameter about 48 feet from pylorus . . . .. . . dd 
Diameter about 90 feet from pylorus . . . . .. . 1 
Diameter about 1 foot from the anus . . ..... 2 
I can offer testimony to the general correctness of Jackson’s description of the intes- 
tinal tract, save his statement “no Peyer's nor other glands seen.” On the contrary, 
the glands are a predominant feature throughout. But first as to the membranous 
folds, which attract attention by their peculiar disposition. In the lower part of what 
may represent the duodenum and the upper portion of the ileum, to about 6 or 7 feet 
from the pylorus, valvule conniventes, in great transverse flaps, are present, just as the 
above author has noted. These by degrees become smaller, but nevertheless continue 
uninterruptedly for 36 feet or thereabouts. The mucous folds then become reduced, 
and there begins a tendency towards development of partial longitudinal and oblique 
intersecting ruge. The longitudinal plications thence are the most marked, and exist 
in pairs some little distance apart, running nearly parallel, but sinuous and continuously 
along the length of the gut. Short transverse folds unite these; and this condition 
obtains for 40 feet or more. Within about 3 feet or so of the anus the longitudinal 
parallel ridges have increased in volume and strength, whilst the short transverse and 
oblique rugze have relatively diminished, leaving wider and deeper interspaces between 
them. 
The intestinal glands of this zoophagous Cetacean are most interesting physiologi- 
cally, in number, disposition, and as evidence of important functional activity carried 
on over an immense area. I counted in all some twenty-four Peyer’s patches; and, 
although I made a careful search, it is possible others may have been overlooked. 
Visually I did not detect any representatives of Brunner’s glands at the duodenal end of 
the intestine. ‘The first agminate gland was situate ten feet from the pyloric orifice; 
and then, at less or greater distances, they were found for a great way on. 
I shall record the general appearance of these Peyer’s patches, which were twofold, 
and tabulate their lengths and distances apart. The first kind were those distributed 
amongst the large free valvule conniventes. ‘These were ovate, and from two to three 
VOL. VIII.—PART Iv. February, 1873. 2 P 
