86 THE :^ruLE. 



but there are no marks in tlie teeth by which a year, 

 more or less, can be positively ascertained. You can 

 ascertain almost as much from the general appearance 

 of the animal as from an examination of the mouth. 

 The mule, if he be long-lived, has the same effect in 

 changing his general appearance from youth to old age 

 as is shown on the rest of the animal creation. 



DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 



There are few if any diseases to which the mule's 

 teeth are subject, after the permanent teeth are de- 

 veloped ; but during the time of their changes I have 

 been led to believe that he sufiers more inconvenience, 

 or at least as much as any other animal — not so much 

 on account of the suffering that nature inflicts upon 

 him, as through the inexperience and cruelty of those 

 who are generally intrusted with his care. I will 

 here speak first of lampass. The animal's mouth is 

 made sore and sensitive by teething ; and this irritation 

 and soreness is increased by the use of improper bits. 

 As if this were not enough, resort is had to that barbar- 

 ous and inhuman practice of burning out lampass. This 

 I do, and always have protested against. If the gums 

 are swollen from the cutting of teeth, which is about all 

 the cause for their inflamed and enlarged appearance, 

 a light stroke of a lancet or sharp knife over the gums, 

 at a point where the teeth are forcing their way 

 through, and a little regard to the animal's diet, will 

 be all that is necessary. It must not be forgotten, that 

 at this time tlio animal's mouth is too sore and sensitive 



