744 



THE EXTERIOR OF THE HORSE. 



indicates that the animal has reached extreme old age. One should 

 not purchase such a horse with the expectation that his service will still 



FIG. 321. Incisors of the inferior jaw too short. 

 A. Dental tables. | B. Roots exposed in their alveoli. 



be of long duration, a circumstance which, in such a case, removes all 

 special interest from the determination of the age. 



2. MOLAR TEETH. 



As in the case of the incisors, the irregularities of the molars are 

 due to an excess or an insufficiency of wear. They may be seen only 

 on one side, or on both sides at the same time ; upon all the teeth of 

 the same arcade, or only upon some of them. 



Their recognition, at the time of purchase, is of extreme importance, 

 by reason of the disturbances which they may cause in mastication and 

 in nutrition. 



a. Defect of Length of the Crown. 



We have often found instances of this kind in subjects in the dis- 

 secting-room. 



