86 



SOUNDNESS OF CONSTITUTION. 



which cannot be mistaken. A kind of absorption begins 

 with the two central incisors, slow, at first, but percep- 

 tible, and these two teeth become smaller than the rest, 

 while the dark lines are worn into one in all but the 



Fig. 27. Five years past. 



Fig. 28. T^en years past. 



corner teeth, till at ten years four of the central incisors 

 have become smaller in size, with a smaller and fainter 

 mark, as seen in Fig. 28. At eleven the six inner teeth 

 are smaller than the corner ones ; and at twelve all 

 become smaller than they were, while the dark lines 

 are nearly gone, except in the corner teeth, and the 

 inner edge is worn to the gum. 



After being satisfied with regard to the age of a cow, 

 we should examine her with reference to her soundness 

 of constitution. A good constitution is indicated by 

 large lungs, which are found in a deep, broad, and promi- 

 nent chest, broad and well-spread ribs, a respiration some- 

 what slow and regular, a good appetite, and if in milk a 

 strong inclination to drink, which a large secretion of 

 milk almost invariably stimulates. In such cows the 

 digestive organs are active and energetic, and they make 

 an abundance of good blood, which in turn stimulates 



