42 6 
Mr. Hunter’s Observations on the 
Of the Senfe of Touch. 
The cutis in this tribe appears, in general, particularly well 
calculated for fenfation ; the whole lurface being covered with 
villi, which are fo many ve'ffels, and we muft luppofe, nerves. 
Whether this ftrueture is only neceflary for acute fen fation, or 
whether it is neceflary for common fenfation, where the cuticle 
is thick, and confifting of many layers, 1 do not know. We may 
obferve, that where it is neceflary the fenfe of touch fhould be 
accurate, the villi are ufually thick and long, which probably 
is neceflary, becaufe in moft parts of the body, where the more 
acute fen fations of touch are required, fuch parts are covered 
by a thick cuticle. Of this the ends of our fingers, toes, and 
the foot of the hoofed animals, are remarkable examples. 
Whether this fenfe is more acute in water, I am not certain, 
but fhould imagine it is. 
OJ the Senfe of Tafle, 
The tongue, which is the organ of tafle, is alfo endowed 
with the fenfe of touch. It is likewife to be confidered, in 
the greatefl number of animals, as an inflrument for mecha- 
nical purpofes ; but probably lefs fo in this tribe than any other. 
However, even in thefe, it muft have been formed with this 
view, fince, merely as an organ of tafle, it would only have re- 
quired furface, yet is a projecting body endowed with motion. 
In fome, it is better adapted for motion than in others ; and I 
fhould fuppofe this to be requisite, on account of the difference 
in the mode of catching the food, and in the aCt of fwallowing. 
It is moft projecting in thofe with teeth, probably for the better 
conducting 
