of the Animals of the Farm. 



15 



evident signs of the shedding of the upper central incisors. 

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

 colour is rather deeper than in other paints. 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 by a small 

 portion of the fang which has not yet been absorbed. 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 the animal's age. 



Fig. 7. — Incisors of Colt at one year. 



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, presenting a striking 

 contrast to the worn temporary teeth on each side of them. 

 The new permanent teeth at this age are not more than half- 

 way up, and there is consequently a considerable space between 

 the upper and lower teeth when the temporary teeth are in 

 apposition. 



When the horse has reached the age of tv-o years and nine 



-7 S 



