Ruminantia. MAMMALIA. Rujiinantia. 155 
teeth in the upper jaw, the vacant space being occupied 
tion of a complex mechanism from the general or more 
by a callous pad ; the lower jaw is invariably furnished 
simple type of structure seen in the majority of mam- 
with six incisors, but in all the ruminants not included 
malia, whilst, to the mind of an unprejudiced truth- 
in the last-named family, the two canines of the lower jaw 
seeker, it irresistibly indicates evidence of creative 
are closely approximated to the incisors, and, forming 
design : and we hold this argument to be in no way 
a very close resemblance in form and size, are easily 
lessened by tlie easil}^ demonstrated fact, that two if 
mistaken for true incisors. In the typical species, also. 
not three of its divisions are essentially nrodified dilata- 
there is always a wide unoccupied space intervening 
tions of the lower end of the oesophagus, A ! This is a 
between the molars and canines of the lower jaw, while. 
department of natural history knowledge too important 
when the latter are present in the upper maxillary bone. 
to be slurred over in a work like the present ; there- 
a similar, though somewhat shorter interspace, is cori-e- 
fore, before proceeding to explain the ruminating fane- 
spondingly manifest above. The t 3 'pical species likewise 
tion, we are careful to notice the form and mechanism 
usuallj' display six molar teeth on each side of either jaw. 
of this beautifully constructed organism. Most people 
their flattened crowns being surmounted by two double 
are aware that the first compartment, B, is called 
and irregularly crescent-shaped folds of enamel ; the 
the paunch. This is much larger than any of the 
convex outline being directed inwards in the superior 
other so-called stomachs, exhibits a rhomboidal outline 
series, and outwards below. But the most interesting 
rounded at the angles, and occupies no inconsiderable 
character by which all the species are noted, consists in 
portion of the entire abdominal cavity of the animal. 
the multiple character of the stomach, which is divided 
Certain constrictions externally, corresponding with 
into four cavities, so as to provide for the ruminating act 
folds of the lining membrane internall}^, cause this organ. 
(fig. 53). This organ — we say it unhesitatmgly — affords 
when carefully separated from its other stomachal con- 
one of the most striking illustrations of the special evolu- 
Fig 
nections, to assume the appearance of an enormously 
.53. 
Stomach of the Sheep. 
distended coil of intestine, bent upon itself in tlie form 
paunch, and proceeds in a longitudinal direction, so as 
of the letter S. In the typical ruminants the internal 
to divide the cavity into two compartments. The 
surface is closely beset with villous projections, which 
muscular fasciculi are arranged transversely, and give 
impart to the membrane a rough, shaggy aspect, the 
off secondary bundles at tolerably regular intervals, so 
cogencj" of which is variously maintained at different 
that the rounded orifices of each cell are guarded by 
parts of the mucous surface ; the villi forming small. 
powerful square-shaped muscular lips. Some of the 
flattened, prominent, pedunculated masses, in shape 
pouches are more complicated than others, being sub- 
resembling racket bats. Such is the general character 
divided into numerous smaller bags by foldings of the 
of the paimch in ordinary ruminants ; but in the aber- 
internal lining membrane. The largest of the reservoirs 
rant cameline genera we find very material differences. 
in tlie adult dromedary have, when distended, a depth 
Instead of presenting a rugous internal surface crowded 
and width of about three inches. A structure analogous 
with these baton-like villosities, the mucous lining mem- 
to this is found in the llamas ; but it is not so strongly 
brane is conspicuously smooth. The most remarkable 
developed. This leads us, in the next place, to de- 
'eature, however, arises out of the formation of numerous 
scribe the second stomach of the ruminants, otherwise 
pouches, specially fitted for the reception and retention 
called the reticulum or water-bag, c (fig. 53). This 
of water (fig. 54). These sacs, rvhich may be looked 
organ has been regarded by some as a mere appendage 
upon as so many protrusions of the wall of the viscus. 
of the paunch ; but it is as much entitled to a distinctive 
are arranged in two distinct groups, one on the right 
recognition as any other of these connected viscera. 
side and the other on the left ; the former being by far 
In respect of size, it is comparatively small, presenting 
the more numerous, and, in the full-grorvn dromedary. 
a globular outline, and forming a sort of cul-de-sac 
measuring about one foot and a half in length and six 
between the first and third stomachs. Its most char- 
inches in breadth. The cells of each group are disposed 
acteristic feature is seen in the presence of multitudes 
in parallel rows, separated from one another by strong 
of polygonal cells, from which circumstance it has 
muscular bands, given off' from a single large bundle of 
been popularly called the honey-comb bag. In some 
fibres, which commences at the upper extremity of the 
species, as, for example, in the rein-deer and giraffe, 
