THE POINTS OF THE HORSE 



149 



central pair of temporary teeth 

 is pushed out or aside by a pair 

 of larger, permanent ones. 



At four years, the second 

 pair of nippers in each jaw of 

 the colt gives way to two larger, 

 permanent teeth. 



At five years, the last pair of 

 colt's teeth in each jaw is re- 

 placed by permanent teeth. 



Fig. 78. 6 years old. 



At this age, what are called 



tusks appear in the mouth of the male. These teeth have 

 roundish points, and there are two in each jaw, one on a 



side, a short distance back of 

 the front teeth. After the fifth 

 year the age of the horse is de- 

 termined by the appearance of 

 the wearing surface of the teeth, 

 each tooth having its age sur- 

 face. 



At six years, the cups of the 

 Fig. 79. 7 years old. two central teeth are worn off. 



At seven, the second pair shows the worn surface; and 

 At eight, all the teeth have been worn about level, and 

 the mouth mark loses its value. 

 The six permanent teeth in 

 each jaw at first meet each other 

 in much the same position, the 

 ends of the teeth coming full 

 head on. As age increases, the 

 teeth gradually take a more in- 

 clined or slanting-out position in 

 each jaw, so that they come to- 

 gether at a sharper angle. The 



Fig. 80. 8 years old. 



