HORSE PRODUCTION 127 



Adaptability of Mules. The mule has proved to be a most useful beast 

 of burden and his popularity is increasing. His hardiness, ability to take care of 

 himself and adaptability to most kinds of climate, especially the extremely warm 

 climates, have led people, including many farmers, to regard him more practical 

 to use than the horse. More has been done in America to develop the mule than 

 in any other country. More than one-half of the mules in the world are in the 

 United States. Prices paid for mules compare favorably with those paid for 

 horses, and one should expect to pay fully as much to secure a good pair of mules 

 as he would pay for a good team of horses. 



HOW TO TELL THE AGE OF A HORSE. 



Names of Teeth. In a complete set of teeth a horse has forty and a mare 

 thirty-six. They are named as follows : front six on either jaw, (twelve in num- 

 ber) incisors ; next tooth on each side of the incisors in a horse, canine or bridle 

 tooth (four in all) ; next six, double teeth, on each side of both jaws, molars or 

 grinders (twenty- four in number). 



Two Sets of Teeth. A horse has two sets of teeth corresponding to the 

 baby teeth and permanent teeth of a human being. The first set are called milk 

 teeth or temporary teeth and consist of twelve incisors and twelve molars. Half 

 of these are in each jaw. The temporary teeth are whiter, smaller and have a 

 better defined neck at the gums than the permanent ones. 



TEETH AT DIFFERENT AGES. 



Birth. At birth a colt has two "nippers" or central incisors on each jaw 

 and three molars. Sometimes these teeth may not break through for a day or two. 



Four to Six Weeks. At this time the lateral incisors break through on 

 both jaws. (The lateral incisor is the tooth on each side of the two central 

 incisors). 



Six to Ten Months. The corner incisors break through when a colt is 

 from six to ten months old. (The corner incisor is the outer incisor in each half 

 of both jaws). 



One Year Old. W'hen a colt is one year old he has a full set of twenty- 

 four temporary teeth. 



Two and One-Half Years Old. At this age the two central incisors are 

 shed and also the fifth permanent molar on each jaw. The first and second 

 molars are replaced by permanent ones. (See Photograph.) 



Three Years Old. The two central incisors are up in wear. (See Photo- 

 graph). 



Three and One-Half Years Old. The third temporary molar is replaced 

 by a permanent one. The lateral incisors are shed. 



Four Years Old. The permanent lateral incisors are up in wear. (See 

 Photograph) 



Four and One-half Years Old. The corner incisors are 'shed. In males 

 the "bridle" or canine teeth are also shed. 



