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Show 480 DR. J. MURIE ON SAIGA TARTARICA. [Julie 9, It is difficult accurately to define the margin of each of the cartilages as they graduate into thickish fibroid tissue at their free edges. A rough measurement in the male animal gave the following results :-Alar cartilage 2 inches in long diameter by h inch at point of greatest breadth; posterior lateral cartilage l| by \ inch in the same diameters, the sesamoid or extension of the last 0*6 long by 0*2 inch at widest. Separating the alar and lateral cartilages, on both sides of the nares is an elliptical fossa or shallow depression placed almost perpendicularly to the long axis of the cranium. This depression, indicated only hy a dark shadow in fig. 5, consists of strongish fibrous tissue, but is filled ordinarily with fatty substance and delicate pale-coloured muscular fibres. These last, as shall hereafter be more particularly pointed out, m a y be homologous with the levator proprius alae nasi anterior, and levator proprius alas nasi posterior, or the true dilators of the nares, although here situated far behind the external narial apertures. The fibres in question still have the same function in relation to the cartilages of the nose, namely, movement of the alse. The long fibrous cords conjointly derived from the alar and postlateral cartilages appear to form a superior longitudinal line of support to the soft nasal walls. They, being highly elastic, permit, and indeed assist, the muscular coverings in retracting efficiently. Sense of smell.- Discussing the parts appertaining to the sense of smell, it here seems appropriate to say a word on such habits of the animal as bear thereon. The nose of Saiga, I find on good authority, is an excellent telltale, as the information m y esteemed colleague, M r . A. D. Bartlett, furnishes m e with proves. He says, " One of tbe difficulties attendant upon keeping the Saiga in good health is its daintiness. Not only is it necessary to find suitable food, but that food must be perfectly fresh and untouched by other animals ; for if a mouse, rat, or even a sparrow, feed out of the same trough, or touches the provender, the Saiga will not eat it. So delicate is the sense of its smell, and so carefully must every particle be handled, that I regard it as one of the most dainty feeders I have ever met with among animals during m y long experience in these Gardens." Another circumstance tending to show a keen sense of smell is, that when any disagreeably odorous substance is offered or thrown to the animal it seems quickly to appreciate its qualities. Although its curiosity be excited, it does not approach closely and sniff it, as most Antelopes or Deer would, but remains at a distance inspiring freely with dilated nostrils. 2. Muscular and other structures of the face and body generallg. I have explained at length the peculiarities of tire internal nares; but the structure of the external walls also demands a few remarks. The soft flabby nature of the proboscis has been alluded to as dif- |