22 Extraordinary Growth of the Incisor Teeth, 



in the lower jaw extended upwards about 1J in. beyond the 

 9 gums, forming a regular curve 



over the nose, and showing 

 an inclination to twist towards 

 the right side of the head. 

 The grinders were next ex- 

 amined, and found to be longer 

 than usual ; the two sets on the 

 right side of the mouth were 

 considerably elongated, and 

 worn on one edge, forming an 

 acute wedge shape {Jig. 3.) ; 

 but those on the left side preserved their natural outline. 

 When the mouth was closed as much as the incisors would 

 a permit, the upper set descended below the gums of 

 the lower jaw. These appeared to have been used 

 by the animal for the purpose of mastication, or to 

 have impeded that operation at their own cost. If 

 the elongation of the grinders were the consequence 

 of the increased growth of the incisors, and the want 

 of the accustomed attrition, it is remarkable that 

 all should not have equally grown. An unequal 

 or rapid secretion of osseous matter on one side 

 more than on the other might account for this difference; 

 or perhaps the animal had not the power to use them equally, 

 from some impediment caused by the intersection of the in- 

 cisors. The rabbit under notice was caught by a dog ; and 



