200 



EVOLUTION AND DISEASE. 



the encounter the tips of the incisors are broken, the 

 exposed pulps inflame, suppurate, and lead to alveolar 

 abscess, which in some cases terminates in death from 

 absorption of septic matter. Occasionally the suppura- 

 tion leads to extensive necrosis of the jaw. Death from 



FIG. 107. The incisors of a Kangaroo (Macropiis major}. 



FIG. 108. The anterior portion of a lower jaw of a Kangaroo 

 showing the effects of alveolar abscess secondary to a 

 suppurating pulp. M, mental foramen. 



such a cause is not uncommon among kangaroos living 

 in confinement. 



In this case the danger depends upon the peculiar 

 procumbent position of the lower incisor and the 

 proximity of the pulp to the tip of the tooth. In the 



