136 



TEETH. 



There are, however, other signs which faithfully denote the age of the 

 quadruped. The permanent incisors, when first cut, are almost perpen- 

 dicular ; but as years accumulate, these organs assume a more horizontal 

 direction. The tushes also, when they first appear in the mouth, point 

 forward. These members, after a time, become straight; but as age 

 progresses, they ultimately lean decidedly outward and at length incline 

 backward. Besides these well-marked indications, from the disposition 

 of the front nippers to arrange themselves in a line, only two can be seen 

 in old quadrupeds when the mouth is viewed from the side ; while the 

 membrane covering the gums altogether loses its fleshy hue, becoming 

 evidently thick, yellow, loose and baggy. 



THE JAW OP A HORSE 'WHICH WAS THIETT TEARS OF AGE. 



Such marked signs may, by many persons, be esteemed sufficient 

 protection ; but there are yet additional characteristics with which all 

 who venture to purchase horses of unknown sellers should be acquainted. 

 The general indications of senility are strongly impressed both upon 

 man and upon horse; though the teeth are usually appealed to, the 

 appearance of the mouth should not be absolutely and solely regarded. 

 A white horse is rarely young, any more than a white-haired man is, as 

 a rule, in the possession of youth. Then, as the juvenile period ceases, 

 absorption begins to operate. Deposit no longer takes place ; but with 

 senility a rapid wasting ensues ; both bones and flesh suffer under this 

 new action. 



The branches of the colt's lower jaw are wide apart^ and in the cavity 

 thus formed the tongue reposes. This space is called the "channel." 

 The lower margins, also, of the inferior maxillse are in the colt full, 

 round, and prominent. When age is present, the edges retract, the 

 channel narrows, while the lower margins of the bones appear to the 



