52 



It is true that the table of the first is somewhat 

 narrower than, though of equal length, with that of 

 the last ; but the difference is not so marked as to 

 justify an opinion being pronounced upon the im- 

 perfect inspection which, under the most favourable 

 circumstances, can be made of these organs. The 

 number of the molars may, however, be counted, and 

 from this the age of the animal deduced with cor- 

 rectness. The operation can be at all times per- 

 formed, and the fact ascertained. When, however, 

 removed from the jaw, the character of the molar is 

 easily recognized, for the difference in the length and 

 shape of the fang renders it then impossible to con- 

 found the temporary with the permanent tooth. 



28. The various points which denote youth must 

 now be noticed. The remarks on this subject, how- 

 ever, must be confined to the mouth, to which this 

 treatise is devoted. In the foal, the membrane of the 

 mouth is of a delicate pink colour, suggestive of its 

 high vascularity. The gums are prominent, for as 

 the permanent are cut posteriorly to the milk incisors, 

 and the germs of the horse teeth are developed even 

 at the time of birth, the anterior part of the jaw is 



