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Show 142 DR. E. LONNBERG ON THE [Feb. 20, 2. On the Soft Anatomy of the Musk-Ox (Ovibos moschatus). Bv Dr. EINAR LONNBERG.1 [Beceived January 25, 1900.] When last spring (1899) it was decided that a Swedish Expedition under the direction of Professor A. G.Nathorst should start for Greenland, Professor T. Tullberg suggested the importance of obtaining examples of the viscera and other parts of the Musk-ox ; and sent out the necessary outfit for this purpose. Professor Kathorst, as is well-known, made in the 'Antarctic' a successful voyage ; aud arriving early in East Greenland, he had ample time for geographical and other researches. Musk-oxen were found and shot at several places. The Zoologist of the Expedition, Ivar Arwidson, accordingly had the opportunity of making a good collection. The animal was, however, found to be of greater bulk than was expected, and it was therefore with no little difficulty that its different parts were preserved, the receptacles being found rather small for the purpose. Nevertheless, the following organs were secured (skins, skeletons and skulls not being counted):- Of an old bull killed the 9th of July on Sabine Island and measuring 228 cm. in length: alimentary canal with appendages, liver, spleen, &c.; lungs and heart; urinogenital organs (partly damaged); eyes, larynx, tongue aud the lining of the mouth. Of a young cow killed the 11th of July iu Queen Augusta Valley : udder and histological material from different organs. Of an old cow killed the 26th of August at Emperor Franz Joseph Fjord : udder. Of an old bull killed the 29th of August: urinogenital organs. In addition to this two brains and certain other specimens. W h e n the expedition returned it was, with the consent of Professor Nathorst, agreed that the present writer should be allowed to investigate the material mentioned above ; and he has now the honour to lay before the Society the results of this investigation. The muzzle of Ovibos is covered with short hair, with the exception of a strip along the upper margin of either nostril, which is naked, and probably in tbe living animal moist. This naked part has a papillary surface. The naked strips above the nostrils in an adult bull are about 8 ram. broad, and extend in a median direction so as to meet on the auterior surface, where the naked region is a little broader. So far the condition of the muzzle has a certain likeness to that of a Sheep2. There is, however, a great difference, because in Ovibos there is not the slightest trace of that vertical, 1 Communicated by B. LYDEKKER. 2 The hairiness of the muzzle can very well be explained as an adaptation to the cold climate, and there is no need to regard it as a sign of affinity between the Sheep and the Musk-ox. Compare the Beindeer! But it may also be an ancient characteristic. Compare the Antelopes! |