ON THE TEETI! OF CATTLE, AS TNDI GATING THE AGE. 207 
by those not much accustomed to the animal, how are we to 
learn whether this grand qualification is in the possession of the 
one we would wish to purchase ? It is to be acquired to a very 
considerable degree by observation on the habits, countenance, 
and general appearance of the animal; but the best preventive 
against disappointments on the present subject is that of obtaining, 
before purchase, permission to drive or ride the horse twenty miles 
at least without company, towards the conclusion of which his 
“ willingness for work'' will be demonstrated. 
ON THE TEETH OF CATTLE, AS INDICATING 
THE AGE. 
By Mr. W. You att. 
No agricultural writer, so far as I am aware, having conde¬ 
scended to give us a detailed account of the changes which the 
teeth of cattle undergo, and the periods when these changes take 
place, and not one of our cattle doctors having presumed to touch 
on the subject, I am induced to believe that a history of these 
changes may be interesting both to the agriculturist and the 
veterinary practitioner. 
The mouth of the new-born calf presents an uncertain appear¬ 
ance, depending on the mother having exceeded or fallen short of 
the average period of utero-gestation. Sometimes there will be 
no vestige of teeth ; at other times the two central incisors will be 
protruding through the gums, or they will have risen and attained 
considerable bulk. 
About the middle or the close of the second week, the two 
next teeth will be added. 
At the expiration of the third week, the calf will have six 
temporary incisor or front teeth: and at a month old, the wdiole 
eight will have appeared. 
These teeth will present a surface convex externally, and some¬ 
what concave within; the portion above the gum will be covered 
with enamel, and which will slant upward from the internal to 
the external surface of the tooth, forming an edge of considerable 
sharpness. The only indication of advancing age will be the 
wearing down of these sharp edges, and the appearance of the 
bony substance of the tooth beneath. Even at a month the 
centre teeth are a little worn. At two months the enamel will 
have been somewhat worn off the edge of the four centre teeth. 
At three months, from the six centre ; and at four months, the 
• corner teeth will likewise be considerably worn. 
