THE AGE OF THE HORSE. 49 



manent molars. In the horse and gelding four 

 tusks are present, and these make their appearance 

 about the fourth year, being permanent. Many 

 irregularities occur during the development of the 

 teeth ; but these instances are exceptional, and 

 certainly not sufficient to disturb the recognised 

 system of ascertaining the animal's age by reference 

 to its teeth. 



The Age. 



Within a few weeks after birth the foal develops 

 a pair of temporary incisor teeth in the upper and 

 lower jaws, and, as these occupy the middle of the 

 gum, they are called " centrals." In another month 

 or six weeks another pair of temporary incisors 

 appear. These are the " laterals ; " and by the time 

 the foal reaches, say, three months, the third pair 

 of incisor teeth appear. These are the corner teeth. 

 At one year old all the temporary incisors are 

 well developed and in wear, continuing to be made 

 use of until the end of the second year, so that at 

 two years the foal has still nothing but temporary 

 incisor teeth in its mouth. In the case of race 

 horses, early maturity has an influence in the 

 earlier appearance of the permanent incisors, and 

 dentition of these animals is slightly in advance of 



4 



