AGE OF ANIMALS. 



which the shape changes as we go farther down the tooth is 

 represented in figure B, where cross sections at different 

 sections are shown. 



Fie. B. 



The horse's tooth is worn away by use, and its upper sur- 

 face assumes the form of these different sections consecu- 

 tively, according to the extent to which it has been worn off! 

 Of course, this only forms a general rule by which to judge 

 of the age of a horse. Cribbiters, horses feeding chiefly on 

 very old dry hay, and oats mixed with grit, and horses which 

 are continually gnawing their mangers, will have their teeth 

 worn away faster than will those which are fed on grass and 

 moistened, cut, and ground feed, and which keep their teeth 

 to themselves when they are not eating. 



Pessina's table of indications of age is correct for the 

 average of horses, and in all cases is sufficiently so for gen- 

 eral purposes. 



We quote the following from Herbert's hints to horse- 

 keepers : 



" At five years the corners are up even with the other 

 teeth; the mark is entirely wrrn out from the middle nip- 

 pers, and partly worn from the next pair (fig. C). 



