75 

 closer observation will, however, correct the judg- 

 ment, for looking attentively, perhaps a slight, and 

 only a slight difference in the colour of the central 

 incisors may be remarked. The tinting of the ena- 

 mel may be a " thought" darker, and yet the con- 

 trast so delicate, that the difference can only be seen 

 in a certain light. Then again casting the eye to the 

 gums of the upper central incisors which are first 

 shed, that part of them immediately covering the 

 neck of one of these teeth may show a little redness, 

 and the other exhibit nothing of the kind. The red- 

 ness indicates that nature is making ready for the 

 appearance of the permanent incisors, and on evi- 

 dence no heavier than this, the animal is pronounced 

 to be " two off." The redness, it may be said, can 

 be artificially produced — so it maybe, but the na- 

 tural character can hardly be imitated. The colour 

 in the normal mouth is not deep or angry ; it is not 

 caused by inflammation, but is only increased vascu- 

 larity of the part, and it is at first limited to the edge 

 of the gum. The colt shows no symptoms of ten- 

 derness in the reddened gum, but stands quite as 

 still, and even more quiet when it is pressed, than 

 when the opposite one is handled. If the part had 



