328 



BANDED RATTLE-SNAKE. 



as to represent two preparatory stomachs, as it 

 were ; nor was the real or proper stomach capable 

 of so much distension as these : the length of the 

 true stomach or third enlargement was nearly 

 similar to that of the second enlargement of the 

 oesophagus; it was much thicker than that part, 

 and resembled in its fabric that of the Viper. 

 From the pylorus the duct straitened again for- j 

 about half an inch, and then formed a large i 

 intestine, the weaved rugse of its internal coat- 

 presenting a curious and pleasing spectacle: 

 this intestine, after some small windings, termi- 

 nated in the rectum, which was of much smaller 

 diameter. In the promiscuous food which ser- 

 pents take in (adds Dr. Tyson), which they al- 

 ways swallow whole, and in which there are ah\^ays 

 some parts unfit for digestion, and which must, 

 therefore, be returned, the oesophagus here being 

 very long, Nature has provided the above-men- 

 tioned swellings or enlargements of that part, 

 where they may be respited, during the efforts 

 made use of by the animal for that purpose, till 

 collecting its force, it gives them, as it were, 

 another and another lift, and at length ejects 

 them ; and if what is confidently affirmed be true, 

 that, on occasion of danger, they receive their 

 young into their mouths, these are fit places for 

 receiving them." - 

 The heart was placed near the bottom or base 

 of the trachea, on the right side of it : its length 

 was an inch and a half, and its figure rather flat 

 than round; encompassed with a pericardium;-- 



