140 



TEETH. 



of that fact ; but it is astonishing how meeklj these beautiful creatures 

 will submit to our examinations of their teeth, — as though they came 

 into the world possessed of all confidence in man's intentions and with 

 every dependence upon his sympathy. Some of the diminutive strangers 

 seem even to derive pleasure from their irritable gums being inspected. 

 They behave almost as though they recognized their future master and 

 felt flattered by his notice. Alas ! that brutality should ever repel the 

 trustfulness of nature, and that experience should instruct most of our 

 mute fellow-beings to regard mankind as enemies. 



THE INCISORS AT TWO TTEEKS OLD. 



THE INCISORS AT SIX WEEKS OU). 



It is not until another month has passed, or until the foal is six weeks 

 old, that more teeth appear. By that time, much of the swelling present 

 on the gums of the newly-born animal has softened down, though all 

 trace of it cannot be said to have entirely departed. The membrane, as 

 time progresses, will have to resign much of its scarlet hue. In the brief 

 period, however, which has elapsed since the former teeth were gazed at, 

 the growth has been such that the sense of very disproportionate size no 

 longer remains. The two front teeth are now fully up, and these appear 

 almost of proportions suited to the mouth which they adorn. But when 

 the two pairs of lateral incisors first make their appearance, it is in such 

 a shape as can imply no assurance of their future orm. They resemble 

 the corner nippers, and do not suggest the smallest likeness to the lateral 

 incisors which they will ultimately become. 



The foal, during the first six weeks of its existence, does not learn to 

 appreciate, at its just value, that which poets have termed "the milk of 

 human kindness. " A little shyness, however, exhibited about this period 

 shows that doubt has partially shaken the confidence with which the 

 appointed master was formerly welcomed. But the little being is still 

 docile ; it does not altogether avoid mankind. It will yet accept their 

 caresses, permit patiently their mercenary inspections, acting as though 

 its mild disposition, the natural inheritance of its tribe, derivert actual 



