| OCR Text |
Show 1874.] DR. F. STOLICZA ON OVIS POLL 425 darker bands of the tissue-that is, are densest at the lines (consult respectively F, G, H, I, J, fig. 2, p.424). According to the direction in which the razor has been passed, the polygonal, oval, oatshaped, or linear aspect of the epithilium is revealed. The upper free margin (of E ) has a ragged edge, where the scales have a tendency to desquamate ; whereas the opposite lower or attached margin is smooth-edged and denser in quality. Thus tufts or prolonged rods to fit into the interspaces of the underlying follicular layer are wanting, evincing therefore other conditions to the relative disposition of the parts. (Compare the drawings F and A, fig. 2, p. 424, which correspond as to magnitude and direction made.) Having correlated the sac to the gizzard, we narrow the question, though we still have to explain physiologically how reproduction of fresh and successive linings is effected whilst the viscus, so to say, remains intact. It should be borne in mind, then, that the film of firm membrane in question is to all intents a true corneous structure, and comparable therefore with the outer stratum of the skin or epidermis, ordinary horn, or, in the case of the cylinder variety, with the horn of the Rhinoceros. The successive and rapid development of cells from below pushing onwards those above would readily admit of desquamation en masse, and without interfering with a fresh growth. Indeed there is ample testimony of scaly strata in the microscopical sections in support of this view, which accords moreover with the regeneration and metamorphosis of corneous textures generally. That the ejected sac should retain the shape and peculiar corrugated appearance of the interior of the gizzard is not to be wondered at when we consider that it is but a solid though flexible impress of the sinuosities, elevations, and depressions of the mucous folds of that organ. 2. Description of the Ovis poli of Blyth. B y Dr. F. S T O L I C Z A , Naturalist to the Yarkund Mission. [Eeceived May 24, 1874.] (Plate LIII.) Ovis POLI, Blyth. (Plate LIII.) Male, in winter dress.-General colour above hoary brown, distinctly rufescent or fawn on the upper hind neck and above the shoulders, darker on the loins, with a dark line extending along the ridge of tail to the tip. Head above and at the sides a greyish brown, darkest on the hind head, where the central hairs are from 4 to 5 inches long, while between the shoulders somewhat elongated hairs indicate a short mane. Middle of upper neck hoary white, generally tinged with fawn ; sides of body and the upper part of the limbs shading from brown to white, the hair becoming more and more tipped with the latter colour. Face, all the lower parts, limbs, tail, and all the hinder parts, extending well above towards the loins, pure white. P R O C . Z O O L . S o c - 1 8 7 4 , No. XXVIII. 28 |
