14 6 Mr. Home on the Structure of the Stomachs 
No. III. The Hare. 
The stomach of the hare, when forcibly distended, appears 
to be one nearly uniform cavity; but when examined imme- 
diately after death, before the parts have been disturbed, is 
found to have a partial contraction, dividing it into two ; the 
cardiac portion is two-thirds and the pyloric portion is one- 
third of the whole cavity. 
The muscular coat of the cardiac portion is weak, but at the 
division between it and the pyloric the fibres become much 
stronger: they are regularly circular, and continue so half 
way to the pylorus; there they form a thick projecting band, 
and afterwards become spiral, towards the pylorus. There 
are two layers of these spiral fibres in opposite directions, 
crossing each other, which gives them great power in their 
contraction, and very considerably increases its effect. 
The internal membrane of the cardiac portion forms 
one uniform surface. Where the pyloric portion begins the 
membrane is thicker in its substance, and the surface more 
villous ; further on, where it is surrounded by the projecting 
band, there are small distinct orifices, largest, and in greatest 
number on the lower curvature, but met with all round; 
these appear to be the excretory ducts of the glands, which 
secrete the solvent liquor. From this part to the pylorus, the 
surface is smoother, and has a more delicate texture. 
The rabbit’s stomach corresponds in every respect with that 
of the hare, only that the parts are on a smaller scale, and less 
conspicuous. The orifices of the ducts above described were 
