THE 'ftCETH MARKS. 



425 



that is compelled most to use his incisor teeth, will have them 

 worn fiirthest down. Perhaps, as a general rule, but admitting 

 of many an exception, it may be said that at seven years old, 

 this line is becoming broadest and more irregu- 

 lar in all of the teeth; and that a second and 

 broader, and more circular mark, appears 

 within the center of the former one, and 

 more distinct in the central or two central 

 pairs — and which at eight years, has spread 

 Six years. ~ over the six central incisors. 



"A year afterwards, however, a change takes place which 

 cannot be mistaken. The process of absorption has again com- 

 menced, and precisely where it did when the animal was four 

 months old, viz., in the central incisors; but it is slow in its 

 progress, and it is never carried to the extent to which we 

 observed it in the milk teeth. It is, however, sufficiently plain, 

 and the two central teeth are evidently smaller than their neigh- 

 bors. A considerable change has also taken place on the surface 

 of the teeth; the two dark marks are rubbed into one in all but 

 the corner teeth. 



"At ten, the four central incisors are diminished in size, and 

 the mark is becoming smaller and fainter.' 

 The cut represents tlie mouth at this age. 



"At eleven, the six central ones are 

 smaller; and at twelve, all of them are very 

 considerably diminished ; but not, as we have 

 already observed, to the same extent as in 

 the young beast. The mark is now also faint, 

 Ten years. or nearly obliterated, except in the corner 



teeth, and the inside edge is worn down to the gum. 



"The beast is now getting old; the teeth continue to diminish, 

 and it is not often that the animal, after fourteen or sixteen years 

 old, is able to maintain his full condition. He must then be taken 



