14 

 of opinion which prevails, as to what constitutes abso- 

 lute proof. A cursory glance at the matter is enough 

 to convince us, that the custom of inspecting the 

 teeth of the horse to ascertain the age of the animal, 

 is one which has had its origin in necessity. Expe- 

 rience has taught that the mouth of the horse affords 

 the most satisfactory evidence, and the author's in- 

 vestigations on this subject have convinced him that 

 the public need require no better or more conclusive 

 testimony. The reader, however, before he ventures 

 to abide by his own interpretation of the signs which 

 the horse's teeth exhibit, must be content to study, 

 and prepared to find the task somewhat difficult. 

 All that can be done to render the subject plain and 

 clear, the author will attempt. 



6. The description of the teeth cannot be rendered 

 pleasing ; but as it is a necessary part of the subject, 

 the reader must exert his patience, while the matter is 

 briefly discussed. Teeth are anatomically classed with 

 bones, which in many respects they resemble. A 

 tooth is divided into two parts, or into crown and 

 fang. The crown is that portion which projects 

 above the gum into the mouth ; therefore so much as 



