cannot be obliterated or misinterpreted. The indica- 

 tions to be discovered by an inspection of tlie mouth 

 of the horse, however, are so generally true, that in 

 these dependence may be placed ; although they are 

 not so arbitrary or invariable, that upon them in every 

 instance an absolute opinion can hastily be pro- 

 nounced. He who would judge of the age by the 

 teeth, must therefore be content to study and prepared 

 to encounter difficulties. In proportion as he has 

 done the one, and is fortified thereby to overcome the 

 other, will be his success. There is no secret charm 

 which will enable man to unravel Nature's mysteries. 

 Her ways are regular, but they are not uniform — her 

 laws are fixed, but her acts cannot be measured by a 

 system of rule or compass. The qualified judge 

 alone will read the teeth correctly ; but in proportion 

 as the task is difficult, will be the candour and caution 

 of him who fulfils it properly. He will make allow- 

 ance where certain marks are indistinct or absent — 

 he will not feel himself degraded by a confession of 

 inability to speak with certainty when the signs are 

 complex or confused — and above all, he will be cau- 

 tious before he pronounces a final opinion, and gives 

 it forth as a decision, against which there ought to be 



