THE AGE OF THE HORSE 95 



It is not until about 3^4 years that one 

 fin:^s the sixth molar in the mouth. 



The I St, 2nd, and 3rd molar teeth are all 

 temporary ones, and, of course, replaced by 

 " permanents," which takes place at or about 

 2^ years for the ist and 2nd, but not until 

 four years for the 3rd one. 



The incisor or nipping teeth are all 

 temporary, but the tusks or canines are 

 permanent from the date of their appearance, 

 which is usually about the fourth yean 



By far the most general way of ascertain- 

 ing the horse's age is by reference to the 

 incisor teeth only, being the most convenient ; 

 reference to the molars, as a rule, is only 

 necessary should there be any doubt as to 

 the correct age. 



The chief differences between temporary 

 and permanent incisor teeth are as follows ; 



