78 EXAMINATION OF HORSES AS TO SOUNDNESS 



means that the horse has recently passed his 

 third year by three or four months. 



Three Years Off. — The tushes at three years 

 off are often seen making their appearance 

 through the gum, and those of the lower jaw first, 

 but no great dependence can be put upon them 

 in assisting to denote the age at this period. 



The lateral milk-teeth are shed about the 

 seventh month after the third year, those of the 

 lower jaw going first. The lateral permanent 

 teeth then make their appearance. 



Rising Four. — At rising four the whole of 

 the lateral teeth are in the mouth, but their 

 edges do not properly come in apposition, as is 

 depicted in the plate. 



Four Years. — At this age the lateral incisors 

 are well up and developed, but the corner milk 

 incisors still remain. The tables of the central 

 incisors show considerable wear, and the in- 

 fundibula are well defined. Some or the whole 

 of the tushes may be well up also ; but no great 



