320 Mr. Home’s Observations on the grinding Teeth 
This view of the subject encouraged me to prosecute the en- 
quiry, and made me desirous of examining the grinding teeth 
of the wild boar in the different stages of their growth, and, if 
possible, after the animal had arrived at an advanced age. 
My wishes respecting the wild boar were mentioned to Sir 
Joseph Banks, who very obligingly sent me two sculls he had 
received from Germany ; and George Best, Esq. F. R. S. was 
so good as to send over to Hanover, for the head of one of the 
largest boars that could be procured : his request was imme- 
diately complied with, and the animal to which the head belonged, 
was considered by the hunters as under seven years of age. 
From an examination of these different specimens, I have 
been able to make out very satisfactorily, the mode of dentition 
of the wild boar during the first seven years ; and to ascertain, 
that there is a succession of grinding teeth beyond that period. 
In this species of Sus, the temporary grinders consist of six- 
teen ; four on each side, both of the upper and under jaw. 
These sixteen teeth are shed in the usual manner, and their 
places supplied by larger teeth rising up from the substance of 
the jaw, immediately under the old ones. 
Before these first teeth are shed, one of the more permanent 
grinders is formed, in the posterior part of each side of both the 
upper and under jaw ; this tooth, although it is in its place with 
the first set, is to be considered as belonging to the second set. 
In explaining the subsequent changes which take place, I shall 
confine myself to the lower jaw ; as the figures which are 
annexed are taken from the teeth in that jaw. 
Of the five teeth on each side of the lower jaw, one is sepa- 
rated from the rest, and is close to the tusk, which admits of a 
space, for the curve of the upper tusk to rest upon; so that 
