THE ANATOMY OF THE INDIAN ELEPHANT. 65 



projects 14 or 15 inches beyond the anus. In the natural 

 (unexcited) state the tube is curved forwards and opens on 

 the under surface of the belly, but by distention of the crura 

 clitoridis it can be so far straightened that the orifice looks 

 almost directly backwards, being then beneath the anus, but 

 separated from it by a considerable interval. Thus the urine is 

 ordinarily discharged downwards and forwards, but sexual con- 

 gress takes place in something like the position ordinary among 

 quadrupeds/ 



In the upper half of the uro-genital canal, above the root of 

 the clitoris, its walls are invested by nearly circular muscular 

 fibres, which are less distinct on the side adjacent to the rectum, 

 and are also less developed in the lower part of this space. A 

 strong band of muscular fibres is attached for about 2 inches 

 to the body of the clitoris, near its root, and extends upon the 

 sides of the uro-genital canal. These fibres diverge consider- 

 ably, the lower ones passing nearly transversely, while the upper 

 ones pass upwards and forwards at an angle of about 45°. They 

 terminate along a defined line on the intestinal side, so that the 

 muscles of opposite sides are separated by a clear membranous 

 space of about 2^ inches. Some of the higher fibres are con- 

 tinued over the side of the rectum, and become continuous with 

 the anterior fibres of the sphincter ani, while a number of more 

 scattered fibres proceed from the upper part of the uro-genital 

 canal, and are lost upon the sides of the rectum. The last nine 

 inches of the canal have the walls thin and comparatively mem- 

 branous, but muscular fibres can be still detected, which are 

 attached to the sides of the clitoris and surround the tube. 



When the uro-genital canal is laid open, its inner surface is 

 seen to be lined by a smooth mucous membrane. An inter- 

 rupted line of dark spots is visible near the external outlet, 

 running about an inch apart from the defined line which marks 

 the junction of the epidermic and epithelial surfaces. Two 

 sinuses (canals of Malpighi ?) open on the superior (intestinal) wall 

 of the canal about the middle of its course, and can be traced for 

 about 2 inches upwards. They open towards the outlet of 



1 Dr "Watson informs us that the evidence of eye-witnesses, though not so 

 ample or explicit as might be desired, goes to show that the female rests upon 

 the fore-knees with the hind legs extended in the standing posture. 



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