OF THE PANCREAS AND SPLEEN. 
55 
of the small intestine presents a different structure : it 
always seems like velvet, from the infinite number of deli- 
cate fringes with which its inner surface is invested ; some- 
times, as in the Python bivittatus, these villosities are so 
marked that they hang in the form of small bunches ; in 
the Eryx also they form fiat papillae, very closely set, and 
in the form of leaves. All these appendices disappear, 
however, towards the end of the small intestine, where the 
longitudinal folds are observed of considerable size : the 
Pythons alone have this part of the intestine provided with 
transverse folds, analogous to the valvules which separate 
the small intestine from the rectum. 
OF THE PANCREAS. 
The Pancreas^ constantly placed in the first curvature 
which the intestine makes below the pylorus, has a form 
and size very variable in different Ophidians, and presents 
in this respect accidental differences. This organ is divided 
into a greater or less number of lobules, each of which is 
sometimes provided with a distinct excretory duct. These 
canals are generally united to each other in accompanying 
the biliary duct, and pour the pancreatic juice into the in- 
testine, at a little distance from the pylorus. 
OF THE SPLEEN. 
All Ophidians have a Spleen of a globular or oval form, of 
a pretty firm consistence, and usually concealed behind the 
lobes of the pancreas, with which it is sometimes inti- 
mately united ; and hence some have mistaken this organ, 
or denied its existence. Its position varies in several 
species, so as sometimes to occur at a distance from the 
pancreas, and isolated at the posterior surface of the 
stomach. Having even observed individual variations in 
this respect, I am led to believe that the place which this 
occupies is of smaU consequence in the exercise of its func- 
tions. 
