162 THE DEER OF AMERICA. 



wliat in position and much in extent. On all, it is below the 

 inner corner of the eye. On the moose and caribou it is quite 

 near the eye, and is covered with hair. Whether it is dilated in 

 excitement, I have had no opportunity of observing. On the 

 wapiti, we have already seen, the opening is located further be- 

 low the eye, is very large and has a naked border, which is con- 

 cealed when in repose, though a portion below the corner of the 

 eye extending to the orifice is naked. In excitement, the con- 

 cealing hairs are thrown back, the lips which were closed are 

 widely parted, and the sinus is enormously expanded, which adds 

 much to the threatening appearance of the enraged animal. 



I cannot say that similar phenomena might not be observed 

 with the moose and the caribou, with the same opportunities for 

 observation, but to me these have not occurred. 



In all the smaller species, this opening exists, but is smaller, or 

 at least appears to be so, and I have never seen it exposed or di- 

 lated in excitement. In all, a sort of thin waxy secretion is ex- 

 uded, though not profusely, and I have not observed any odor to 

 emanate from it. We may assume that it serves some useful 

 purpose in the economy of the animal, undoubtedly as connected 

 with the eye, but as it is not embraced within the plan of this 

 work, I have not carefully dissected the parts, and so cannot 

 speak understandingly on the subject. I leave a broad field for 

 the research of the comparative anatomist, which I have but 

 rarely invaded. He will no doubt correct some of my conclu- 

 sions. 



I will close this branch of my subject by giving the measure- 

 ments of the head of a large male Elk which I killed, five years 

 old. 



Inches. 



From top of head to end of nose . . . . 18 



Between pedicels of antlers ...... 3 



Between the eyes ....... 8 



Between the eye and the pedicel ..... 4 



Between ear and pedicel ...... 4 



Length of nostril ....... 1^ 



Between nostrils, lower ...... 2 



Between nostrils, upper ....... 3 



Length of mouth ....... 5 



