124 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE. 



sharp edge somewhat worn off, and the mark shorter, wider, and 

 fainter. The next pair will be up, but they will be small, with the 

 mark deep, and extending quite across them. 



Fig. 380. — At Four to Four and One 

 Half Years. 



Fig. 381.— At Four Years. 



At four years and a half, or between that and 

 five, the corner nippers are shed, and the perma- 

 nent ones begin to appear, something like Fig. 380 

 The central nippers are considerably worn, and 

 the next pair are commencing to show the marks 

 of usage. The tush has now protruded, and is 

 fully a half inch in hight ; externally it has a 

 rounded prominence, with a groove or hollow in 

 the inside. 



At five years the horse's mouth is almost per- 

 fect. The corner nippers are quite up, with a 

 long, deep, irregular mark on the inside, and the 

 other nippers are showing the effects of increased 

 wear. The tush is much grown, the grooves on 

 the inside have almost or quite disappeared, and 

 the outer surface is regularly convex. It is still as concave within, 

 and the edge nearly as sharp as it was six months before. 



At six years the mark on the central nippers is worn out. 

 In the next pair the mark is shorter, broader, and fainter ; and in 

 the corner teeth the edges of the enamel are more regular, and the 

 surface is evidently worn. The tush has attained its full growth, 

 being nearly or quite an inch in length ; convex outward, concave 

 within ; tending to a point, and the extremity somewhat curved. 

 The horse may now be said to have a perfect mouth, as all the teeth 

 are produced and fully grown 



Fig. 382 —About Four 

 Years. 



