28 



ELEMENTS OF HIPPOLOGY. 



Fifth: The shape of the corner teeth. 



The tables of the teeth are the surfaces that meet when the 

 jaws close. When the permanent corner teeth come up, at 

 five, the profiles of their tables are right lines. The upper tooth 

 does not, usually, meet the lower tooth exactly , but projects 

 slightly to the rear. As the teeth wear off by grinding against 

 each other, the forward part of the upper corner tooth wears away 

 faster than the rear part, and a hook appears. This hook-like 

 appearance is characteristic of horses seven and older, if the 



TWO CORNER TEETH DO NOT MEET THROUGHOUT. Tf they do, the 



teeth will wear evenly, and the profile will remain a right line. 

 The hook is almost never present at five, is slight at six, and quite 

 pronounced at seven. Compare Figures 17, 18, and 19. 



Figure 17. — Side View at Six. 



