50 THE AGE OF THE HORSE. 



those which are not brought to such early maturity. 

 Very shortly after two years — say, two years and 

 three months, or two years " off," as it is called — the 

 " central " pair of incisors is replaced by a corre- 

 sponding permanent pair. These changes are 

 obvious in the gum just about two years, being 

 indicated by redness of it. At two years and a 

 half the " centrals " are about half-way up, and at 

 three years they are well developed, and their 

 cutting surfaces have come into wear. At three 

 years " off " — that is, three years and three months 

 — precisely the same stages take place in the 

 " lateral " teeth — i.e., the permanent ** laterals " are 

 in the mouth. They are about half-way up at 

 three years and a half, and by the time that the 

 animal is " rising " four, their front edges meet 

 and their tables come into wear. At four years 

 " off " these changes are repeated in the " comers ; " 

 and at five years old, the mouth has a very full and 

 compact appearance. It will be noted that the 

 incisor teeth of a yearling and those of a five- 

 year-old are not unlike at first sight ; but in 

 the former, of course, we have temporary teeth, 

 and in the latter permanent ones. The term 

 "full mouth" is applied to that of a five-year- 

 old. Up to the age last named the means 



