different Species of Asiatic Elephants. 223 
The elephants from which the heads were taken being well 
known to me, I was enabled to form a tolerable estimate of 
the ages of several of them ; those young ones whose ages are 
particularly specified, were brought forth after their dams were 
secured. 
After arranging and comparing the heads with each other, I 
endeavoured to ascertain the different periods necessary for the 
formation of the grinders, in young and old elephants, and thence 
to draw some conclusions, respecting the progress of dentition 
in this useful animal. 
The first set of grinders, or milk teeth, begin to cut the gum 
eight or ten days after birth ; and the grinders of the upper jaw 
appear before those of the lower one. Though this happens 
at first, yet, in a few months, the grinders in the lower jaw 
come forward faster than those of the upper, as I have observed 
in the heads of several elephants. (Tab. VII. and IX.) 
In about six weeks, the first set of grinders can be easily felt, 
consisting of four teeth, viz. one on each side of either jaw ; 
and, as young elephants begin to eat grass, or some soft succu- 
lent food, before they are three months old, we may conclude, 
that the first set of grinders* have then completely cut the 
gum, and that dentition is not attended with any symptoms 
of pain, or irritation, in the system. 
The milk grinders are not shed, as the tusks are, but are 
gradually worn away, during the time the second set are 
coming forward; and, as soon as the body of the grinder is 
nearly worn away, the fangs begin to be absorbed. (Tab. VI. 
Fi g- S-) 
I have not been able to ascertain the exact time when the 
* By a set, I mean four, one grinder in each side of either jaw. 
G g 3 
