subdivision of the summits of tlie primary plates recalls 

 the character of the molars, especially the smaller ones, 

 of the phacochere in the hog tribe. As the elephant ad- 

 vances in age, the molars rapidly acquire their more spe- 

 cial and complex character. 



The first molars are completely in place and in full 

 use at three months, and are shed when the elephant is 

 about two years old. 



The sudden increase and rapid development of the 

 second molar may account for the non- existence of any 

 vertical successor, or " premolar," to the former tooth, in 

 the elephant. The eight or nine plates of the crown are 

 formed in the closed alveolus, behind the first molar by 

 the time this cuts the gum, and they are united with the 

 body of the tooth, and most of them in use, when the 

 first molar is shed. The average length of the second 

 molar is two inches and a half, ranging from two inches 

 to two inches and nine lines. The greatest breadth, 

 which is behind the middle of the tooth, is from one 

 inch to one inch three lines. There are two roots; the 

 cavity of the small anterior one expands in the crown, 

 and is continued into that of the three anterior plates. 

 The thicker root supports the rest of the tooth. The 

 second molar is worn out and shed before the beyrinnino' 



o o 



of the sixth year. 



The third molar has the crown divided into from eleven 

 to thirteen plates; it averages four inches in length, and 

 two inches in breadth, and has a small anterior, and a 

 very large posterior root ; it begins to appear above the 

 gum about the end of the second year, is in its most 

 complete state and extensive use during the fifth year, 

 and is worn out and shed in the ninth year. The last 



