REVIEW—THE HORSE’S MOUTH, 
357 
all, he will be cautious before he pronounces a final opinion, and 
gives it forth as a decision, against which there ought to be no 
appeal. The veterinary practitioner knows from repeated trials, 
tested by long experience, that the teeth of the horse are worthy 
of attention; he feels that their indications, scientifically inter¬ 
preted, will seldom mislead; but he does not regard them with a 
reverence resembling that originating from an antiquated supersti¬ 
tion, or look upon them as the exemplifications of a principle which 
admits of no exceptions.” 
This qualified reliance upon the indications of age by the teeth, 
Mr. Mayhew follows up with the wholesome reminder, that 
“ In every case the evidence of the teeth is secondary to direct 
and substantiated testimony.” 
An important element to be taken into the account in computing 
or pronouncing the ages of horses, arises out of the circumstance of 
arbitrary birth-days having been affixed by the Jockey Club for 
racers, and by established custom for all other descriptions of 
horses, these birth-days differing so much as four months in their 
periods of date; and although it cannot be denied that some 
weighty advantages are gained by this nominated period of birth, 
yet does it frequently tend much to perplex even the veterinarian 
in his judgment, and the more so when combined with it there 
happens to be any great irregularity in the usual time of foaling. 
All this Mr. Mayhew has clearly explained, concluding his remarks 
bearing on this division of his subject with some ‘"suggestions” for 
the sure determination of the age of the race-horse, in whom it 
becomes a matter of such telling concern, which we strongly re¬ 
commend all gentlemen on the turf to diligently peruse; while his 
observations on the ages of other horses, in whom the teeth prove a 
sufficient voucher for the security of the purchaser, are fraught 
with that sensible and shrewd remark which could proceed from 
no other than a mind that had made itself thoroughly acquainted 
with the usages of the horse world, and the deceptions said to be 
so specially practised in it, but which Mr. Mayhew regards as 
by no means of that exceptional character which they are so gene¬ 
rally thought or represented to be. 
Passing over “ the description of the teeth,” so far as their 
“ situation,” “ organization,” and “ number” are concerned, let us 
