74 EXAMINATION OF HORSES AS TO SOUNDNESS 



good deal of wear, and the infundibula have 

 practically disappeared. The fifth molars are 

 right up, and their edges are in apposition. 

 The two-year-old mouth to the non-expert bears 

 a great resemblance to that of the five-year-old 

 one, as all the temporary incisors, besides being 

 present, have grown fairly large and strong- 

 looking ; but a careful examination of the teeth, 

 along with the general youthful appearance of 

 the animal, will prevent this mistake from being 

 made. 



Three Years. — At three years old the centre 

 permanent or horse teeth are w^ell up and 

 developed, being cut at about two and a half 

 years. They are readily distinguished from the 

 temporary or milk-teeth by their shape and size, 

 and the colour, which is darker. 



The three-year-old mouth is very easily re- 

 cognised, as the new central teeth show such a 

 great contrast with the milk-teeth that still 

 remain. In being shed it is the upper central 

 incisors that are first removed. 



At three years old the first and second per- 



