THE «EETH MARKS. 



423 



until, at length, losing all hold in the socket, they fall out. The 

 process of absorption commences here in the whole milk-tooth, 

 and as much in the crown or body of it as at its root. 



"The process of general diminution seems now for awhile 

 retarded; it is confined to the central teeth, and they gradually 

 waste away until they are no larger in the body than crow-quills. 

 About the expiration of the second year, or a little before, the 

 milk teeth are pushed out, or give way, and the two central per- 

 manent teeth appear. 



"This cut gives the mouth of a two year old beast; the two 



permanent central incisors 

 are coming up, and the 

 other six milk teeth re- 

 main. The bone in front 

 of the lower jaw is taken 

 away, in order that the 

 alveoh, or cells for the 

 teeth, may be exposed. 

 Two years. Three years. The second pair of incisors 



have almost attained their proper size, but have not assumed 

 their proper form. The third pair are getting ready, but the 

 jaw is not yet sufficiently widened for the development of the 

 fourth pair. 



"The process of absorption will still be suspended, with regard 

 to the two outside pairs of milk teeth, but will be rapid with 

 regard to the second pair, and a little before the commencement 

 of the third year they will disappear. The second represents the 

 three year old beast, with four permanent incisors, and four milk 

 teeth. 



"Now the remaining milk teeth will diminish very fast, but 

 they show no disposition to give way, and at four years old 

 there will be six permanent incisors, and often apparently no 

 milk teeth, but if the mouth is examined, the tooth that should 



