OF SELBOKiNE 47 



LETTER XIV 



Skleorne, March 12, 1768. 

 Dear Sir, 



If some curious gentleman would procure the head of 

 a fallow-deer, and have it dissected, he would find it 

 furnished with two spiracula, or breathing-places, beside 

 the nostrils ; probably analogous to the punda lachry- 

 malia in the human head. When the deer are thirsty they 

 plunge their noses, like some horses, very deep under 

 water, while in the act of drinking, and continue them 

 in that situation for a considerable time : but, to obviate 

 any inconveniency, they can open two vents, one at the 

 inner corner of each eye, having a communication with 

 the nose. Here seems to be an extraordinary provision 

 of nature worthy our attention ; and which has not, that 

 I know of, been noticed by any naturalist. For it looks 

 as if these creatures would not be suffocated, though 

 both their mouths and nostrils were stopped. This 

 curious formation of the head may be of singular service 

 to beasts of chase, by affording them free respiration : and 

 no doubt these additional nostrils are thrown open when 

 they are hard run.* Mr. Ray observed that, at Malta, 

 the owners slit up the nostrils of such asses as were hard 

 worked : for they, being naturally strait or small, did not 

 admit air sufficient to serve them when they travelled or 

 laboured in that hot climate. And we know that grooms, 

 and gentlemen of the turf, think large nostrils necessary, 

 and a perfection, in hunters and running horses. 



* In answer to this account, Mr. Pennant sent me the following 

 curious and pertinent reply : — " I was much surprised to find in 

 the antelope something analogous to what you mention as so 

 remarkable in deer. This animal has a long slit beneath each eye, 

 which can be opened and shut at pleasure. On holding an orange 

 to one, the creature made as much use of those orifices as of his 

 nostrils, applying them to the fruit, and seeming to smell it through 

 them." 



