Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/3739
Scientific nameColumba
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
DescriptionThe lower portion of the oesophagus of a pigeon, including the crop and part of the stomach.
The crop is smooth and in a state typical of the non-breeding season.
A drawing of this specimen are preserved in the collection (see related records).
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Related objectsRCSSC/HDB/3/1/874/1RCSHC/3740
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in a rectangular perspex container.
Materialperspex
Columba
Dimensions
whole height: 163 mm
whole width: 104 mm
whole depth: 68 mm
whole weight: 1196 g
whole width: 104 mm
whole depth: 68 mm
whole weight: 1196 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript3739: [One of] four preparations [which] illustrate the alteration that takes place in the structure of the crop of Pigeons of both sexes during the breeding season, for the purpose of secreting a food material, analogous to milk, for the nourishment of the nestlings: The lower portion of the oesophagus of a Pigeon, including the crop with its two lateral diverticula and part of the proventricular chamber of the stomach, everted. The walls of the crop are thin and smooth, in the condition usual at the non- breeding season. This specimen is figured by Hunter (Animal Oeconomy, 2nd ed., Pl. XV).
SourceHunter 'Works'
Vol. 5, Plate XXXVIII
TranscriptThe crop, taken from a pigeon when it had no young ones. The crop in the pigeon is probably more in the middle of the neck than in any other bird, being two equal bags, as it were, passing out, laterally, from the oesophagus; while in most other birds it is a little on one side. The oesphagus of those birds who have crops, may be divided into two, a superior and inferior. The superior is that which leads from the mouth to the crop; the inferior, from the crop to the gizzard.
The crop was inverted and distended with spirits. It shows the appearance of its internal surface.
A. The inner surface of the superior oesphagus. B B. The inside of the two projecting bags of the crop. C. The inferior oesophagus, leading from the crop to the gizzard. D D D D. Glands situated on the lower part of the crop, and continued into the inferior oesophagus. E. A glandular structure upon the inner surface of this oesophagus, just before it terminates in the gizzard. For the purpose of secreting substance analogous to the gastric liquor.
