408 



A TREATISE ON HORSE-BREEDING. 



the different phases of the change are sufficiently well de- 

 fined, to assist the examiner in deciding whether the animal 

 is two years off or coming three years. 



At two years off, or two years and a quarter, there will be 

 evident signs of the shedding of the upper central incisors. 

 The gum at the necks of the teeth is somewhat sunken, and 

 the color is rather deeper than in other parts. Very soon a 

 red line appears in this position, and it is evident that one 

 or both of the temporary teeth are only held in their places 



FIG. 4. INCISORS OF FOAL AT ONE TEAR. 



by a small portion of the fang which has not yet baen ab- 

 sorbed. At two years and a half the permanent teeth will 

 generally be in the mouth. Perhaps one temporary central 

 incisor may yet remain; but even in that case the state of 

 the permanent teeth will be sufficient evidence of ths ani- 

 mal's age. 



The mouth of the horse at two years and a half has a very 

 characteristic appearance, especially when viewed in the 

 front by separating the lips. The four permanent central 

 incisors are seen in position about half-grown, with deep 

 cavities or infundibula extending across, each tooth, present- 



