The =nostrils=, situated on either side of the muzzle, are relatively
small, and are much less dilatable than those of the horse. The alæ are
thick and firm. The superior commissure is narrow. There is no false
nostril or diverticulum nasi. The skin is smooth, bare, and moist, and
there is no clear line of demarcation between it and the nasal mucosa.
The opening of the naso-lacrimal duct is not visible, as it is on the
outer wall of the nostril, and is concealed by the cartilaginous
prolongation of the inferior turbinal. There are two =parietal= or
=lateral cartilages= on either side, united by fibrous tissue. The
dorsal cartilages are thin laminæ which curve outward and downward from
the dorsal margin of the septal cartilage; they are prolongations of the
nasal bones, and carry the alar cartilages on their anterior
extremities. The ventral pair are lateral continuations of the basal
lamellæ of the inferior turbinals. They lie along the nasal processes of
the premaxillæ; anteriorly, they become thicker, turn a little upward,
and each blends with the cartilaginous prolongation of the upper coil of
the inferior turbinal. The =alar cartilages= are of peculiar form. The
lamina is oblong, and curves outward and downward from the anterior
extremity of the dorsal parietal cartilage, with which it is connected.
The cornu springs from the outer part of the lamina and curves outward
and upward into the outer wing of the nostril; it carries on its
extremity a small transverse bar, thus having some resemblance to the
fluke of an anchor.
The =nasal cavity= is short, wide anteriorly, narrow behind. It is not
completely divided by the septum, which in its posterior third is
separated from the floor of the cavity by an interval that increases
from before backward. The middle meatus is very narrow, and divides
posteriorly into two branches; the upper division leads to the ethmoidal
meatuses, and communicates with the frontal sinus and the cavity of the
superior turbinal. Anterior to the division are communications with the
upper cavity of the ventral turbinal and the maxillary sinus. The main
facts in regard to the sinuses were stated in the osteology.
[Illustration: