400 



THE TEETH OF THE HORSE 



ansj'ular form to the a;eneral outline of the table, and in all the teeth the 

 " mark " is extremely small as compared with the seven-year-old mouth. 



The tusks are also rounded at their 

 points (fig. 616). 



After eight years of age some 

 variation in the apjiearance of the 

 teeth, owing to the continued attri- 

 tion, may be expected; but it is not 

 possible to decide with absolute 

 certainty in many cases whether a 

 horse is eight or nine years of age. 

 At ten years old, however, the evi- 

 dence is fairly definite. The so- 

 called "marks" in all the teeth are 

 nearly obliterated, but the circle of 

 central enamel still remains C|uite 

 distinct on the tables in all the 

 teeth, nearer to the posterior than 

 to the anterior edge, and at ten years old the figure of central enamel is 

 nearly round. At this age, also, a very important mark is present. At the 

 upper part of the top corner tooth on each side, close to the gum, a distinct 



I 



Fig. 617. — Incisors of Mare at ten years 



depression, which is really the base of a long groove, begins to appear. 

 This point will be alluded to further. The condition of the tables of the 

 incisor teeth at ten years old is shown in the next drawing (fig. 617). 



