256 THB HORSB. 



one year old another molar, a permanent tooth, appears and before two 

 years of age, a fifth molar, also a permanent tooth, shows itself. 



When about two and a half years old the two front temporary molars 

 give way to permanent teeth, and between three and four years of age 

 the remaining, or third, temporary molar also ^s replaced by a permanent 

 tooth. About this time the last or sixth perma rent molar begins to ap- 

 pear. Thus at about four ydars of age so far as the number of molars is 

 concerned the mouth is completed, there being six permanent molars on 

 each side both above and below, or twenty-four in all. 



These changes are a very good index of the age of the horse up to the 

 period when they are completed, that is four years old. The molars are, 

 however, seldom referred to, because it is somewhat difficult to examine 

 them. Yet, whenever there is a doubt as to the age indicated by the 

 front teeth (incisors), it is a good place to look for verification. After 

 four years of age they are not a good indication of age. 



A "Wolf's" tooth sometimes appears in either jaw. Such teeth do not 

 often cause trouble, but if they do, they can be easily removed with a 

 pair of pincers, as they are not deep seated. 



Incisors or Front Teeth. The front or anterior teeth are six in 

 number in each jaw, when the mouth is complete. In the male on each 

 side in the immediate rear there is usually added a verj^ peculiarly pointed 

 tooth called a tusk. Though there are two sets of incisors, a temporarj' 

 set and a permanent set, yet there is only one set of tusks. They usually 

 begin to make their appearance when the horse is about four years of 

 age, 5ret they are not usually fully developed till the last permanent in- 

 cisor is more or less up. The incisors in the upper jaw are considerably 

 longer and larger than those in the lower jaw. 



Temporary and Permanent Incisors. There are well marked 

 signs by which the temporary or milk teeth can be distinguished from 

 the permanent ones. The temporary teeth are smaller, whiter, and have 

 more distinct necks. They are smooth on their outsides, and grooved 

 inside. The fangs of the teeth are small and they have but little attach- 

 ment to the gums. They are arranged in something like a half circle, 

 in a plump, fleshy, round jaw. 



Permanent teeth are larger, broader and wider in their necks, grooved 

 externally and smooth internally, and not so white as the milk teeth. 

 The discoloration is due to the j uices and other matters connected with 

 the teeth lodging in the grooves. The external grooving enables the ani- 

 mal to get a better grip on herbage, which is not necessary for the sucking 



