DB. J. MUEIE ON THE OEGANIZATION OP 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 : — 



inclies. 



Diameter at dilate duodenal end 4^ 



Diameter about 2 feet from pylorus 2^ 



Diameter about 12 feet from pylorus 2 J 



Diameter about 48 feet from pylorus IJ 



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, valvulae 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 rugse. 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 rugse 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 valvulae conniventes. These were ovate, and from two to three 



VOL. VIII. — PAET IV. February, 1873. 2 p 



