CHAPTER XXII. 



DETERMINATION OF THE AGE OF THE HORSE, 

 OX, SHEEP, PIG AND DOG. 



DENTITION IN THE HORSE. 



The teeth are the only means at our command by 

 which we can determine the age of the domestic 

 animals in a scientific manner. For years this subject 

 has been treated by various authors. Drawings have 

 been made, I might say from time immemorial, a 

 great many of them the result of a vivid imagination, 

 others true copies of them ; or they may have been 

 slightly altered to suit the fancy of the author. 

 When we compare these drawings with what actual- 

 ly exists in nature, we notice a vast discrepancy in a 

 majority of cases. Observation on the teeth of the 

 living animal, is the only means by which we can 

 become adepts at determining the age of the domes- 

 tic animals. 



At birth the foal has two central temporary incis- 

 ors, either in sight or covered with a thin membrane 

 which disappears by the fourth or fifth day. They 

 are always partially covered when through, the an- 

 terior portion of the tooth only protruding. 



The i, 2, 3,* molars are also completely covered 



*See Fig. 15. 



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