626 UNGULATES. 



complex molars (ib. m 3, 4 & 5) in both jaws : of the latter 

 there is never more than one wholly, or two partially, in place 

 and use, on each side at any given time ; for, like the molars of 

 the Mastodons, the series is continually in progress of formation 

 and destruction, of shedding and replacement; and in the Elephants 

 all the grinders succeed one another, like true molars, horizon- 

 tally, from behind forwards ; none being displaced and replaced 

 by vertical successors or premolars. 



The total number of teeth developed in the Elephant appears 

 to be : — in. IEq : m. Je| = 28. The two large permanent tusks 

 being preceded by two small deciduous ones, and the number of 

 molar teeth which follow one another on each side of both jaws 

 being at least six. 



The deciduous tusk (ib. fig. 3, d i) makes its appearance beyond 

 the gum between the fifth and seventh month : it rarely exceeds 

 two inches in length, and is about a third of an inch in diameter 

 at its thickest part, where it protrudes from the socket ; the fang 

 is solidified, and contracts to its termination, which is commonly a 

 little bent, and is considerably absorbed by the time the tooth is 

 shed, which takes place between the first and second year.(l) 



The socket of the permanent tusk, (ib. fig. 3, i) in a new-born 

 Elephant, is a round cell about three lines in diameter, situated 

 on the inner and posterior side of the aperture of the temporary 

 socket. The permanent tusks cut the gum, when about an inch 

 in length, a month or two usually after the milk-tusks are shed. 

 At this period, according to Mr. Corse, (2) the permanent tusks are 

 " black and ragged at the ends. When they become longer, and 

 project beyond the Up, they soon are worn smooth by the motion 

 and friction of the trunk." The widely open base of the tusk 

 is fixed upon a conical pulp, which, with the capsule surround- 

 ing the base, progressively increases in size, stimulates a con- 

 comitant increase in the capacity and depth of the socket, which 

 cavity soon obliterates that of the deciduous tusk, and finally extends 



(1) 'Memoir on the Teeth of the Elephant/ in the Philosophical Transactions, 1799, 

 p. 211 : in which a good figure of the deciduous tusk is given in Plate 5. 



(2) Loc. cit., p, 212. 



