Chapter III: Part 3

In fact, the shape of the table is here the best guide, and should be carefully studied, as otherwise the judgment can never be assured. At this age, one tush may be peeping through. I have never seen more than one present at three years, and then these teeth have always been slightly developed, rather indicating what was to grow than exhibiting that which had actually grown. The tushes, however, now in almost every case, may be felt under the membrane through which they are ultimately to protrude, and can most readily be felt in the upper jaw. Nevertheless, the tushes of the lower jaw always make their appearance first, because the membrane covering these is less loose, and therefore more easily penetrated; and also because the lower jaw being the active agent of mastication, as well as the resting place for the bit, it is naturally subjected to greater wear, thereby assisting the egress of the tushes. In the upper jaw they are often concealed by the loose membrane long after they are fully developed. The tushes, at this age, however, are no guides. The three year old colt, for general purposes, is easily recognized, when the lips only are separated.

_The Centre Horse Teeth well up and distinguished by size, shape, and Colour._]

_One of the lateral Milk-teeth shed, and the permanent Tooth coming up._]

43. _At three years off, the lateral milk teeth are shed, and the permanent teeth are coming up._ The coloured engraving, the original of which is also the property of the Jockey Club, for whom it was executed, was made from the mouth of a bay gelding, by Almack, out of a mare by Rubens, Jun., belonging to--Goring, Esq. The state of the mouth therein exhibited is so peculiar to the age, and so decided in its indications, that it can hardly be mistaken. One of the lateral milk teeth from the lower jaw has been recently lost. The gum is sore, and the top of the permanent incisor is seen rising up. By comparing the temporary incisor, which is speedily to fall from the upper jaw, with those representations of the same teeth given in the previous plates, the gum will be observed to have considerably retracted. Preparation is evidently being made for the change which will in a few weeks take place. The milk teeth begin to be shed about the seventh or eighth month after the completion of the third year, those in the lower jaw being the first to quit the mouth; and all that was observed on the subject in the former paragraph, may be applied to the present, only making allowance for the differences of position in the teeth.

44. _When rising four years old the lateral horse teeth are in the mouth, but their edges do not fairly meet._ The coloured engraving of this age will denote the altered aspect of the mouth, consequent upon the development of a few months, when the colt may want only a dozen weeks for the completion of its fourth year. The original sketch for this plate was taken from the mouth of a horse called the General, the property of Sir Samuel Spry. To test it, however, it has been largely applied, and in every case it has been confirmed. If the mention of names is here required, I may repeat those of Blackbird, Marquiss of Conyngham, and a host of others. The plate, therefore, may be regarded as fully established, and the reader, without fear, may depend upon its correctness. As is shown in the engraving, the lateral incisors, at this age, touch, but nevertheless do not meet so as to be of any service in nipping the food. It is of some importance to attend to this peculiarity, inasmuch as were the presence of the indicative teeth alone remarked, an animal wanting some months to be four years old might be purchased for one that was rising five.

_The lateral Horse Teeth in the Mouth, but their edges not fairly meeting._]

_Four pairs of Horse Teeth well up, but the Corner Milk teeth retained._]

45. _At four years, four pairs of horse teeth are well up, but the corner milk teeth are retained._ Such a state of the mouth is very characteristic of the age, and not likely to be mistaken. The appearance which the teeth present, if viewed from the front when the lips are separated, is shown in the coloured engraving, and it is such as no person can well mistake. The original drawing in this case was also made for the Jockey Club, and was produced upon the famous trial. On all occasions that presented themselves, which have indeed been numerous, it has been compared with the mouths of living animals, and in no single instance has it been found to be contradicted. This has not only been done with colts, but also with fillies, among which last I may mention Lupine, Mora, Nightcap, Chamois, and Jew Girl. To the plate, therefore, the reader should refer; and supposing him to have done so, the other indications which the mouth presents between the third and fourth year will now be enlarged upon. The state of the molars at this period may be regarded as demonstrative of the age of the animal. The reader will remember, that according to what has been pointed out, the colt at three years old has five molar teeth on either side of both jaws, and that of these teeth, one only, the third in situation, marked thus, 4* in the frontispiece, is of a temporary nature. Shortly after the upper lateral milk incisors have been cast off, and sometimes previous to that occurrence, the point of the sixth molar penetrates through the gum, and before it is fully up the covering of the third permanent molar is removed. This effected, the colt has six molars on either side of both jaws, and whenever that number is found they may be assumed to be all of a permanent character; so at four years old the tables of the central incisors exhibit some considerable wear, the infundibula no longer extend entirely across, but have become circumscribed and well defined. The tables of the lateral incisors, on the contrary, are only beginning to be formed, and very often the part posterior to the infundibulum has not received any attrition. The infundibula in these last extend the entire breadth of the table, and in consequence of an indentation on that side which touches the corner milk teeth, the space is there free. The reader will comprehend this particular formation, by referring to the wood-cut of the table of the tooth presented at page 79, the appearance being so much alike as not to necessitate a repetition to enforce it. When the fourth year, however, has been for a month or two perfected, the tables then assume the form represented in the following wood-cut, which exhibits the change that has taken place in the central incisor, and also the appearance of the more recent lateral tooth when the colt is fairly four years off.

One or more of the tushes may also be well up: the whole may have made their appearance; but more frequently only the two originating from the lower jaw are through the gum. No dependence, however, can be placed on the presence or absence of the tushes, which repeated proof has shown to be irregular in their development: nor is the state of the mouth during the fourth year such as justifies an off-hand opinion being pronounced; for though during that period the growth of the teeth is generally well marked, nevertheless exceptions more frequently happen than between the second and third years. An instance illustrative of this fact occurred at the Veterinary College, at St. Pancras, during November, 1844. To that Institution was brought a dun colt, which the professors, one and all, pronounced to be "rising three." Mr. Robb, a gentleman of great talent, and then a pupil at the school, having looked at the animal's mouth, pronounced it to be "three off," or "rising four." Here was a difference of opinion to the extent of a whole year; and of course the pupil was sneered at for his ignorance and presumption. Mr. Robb, however, had reasons for his conviction; he would not give up the point, but wrote to the breeder, and obtained a reply which showed the teachers had yet to learn. Being an acute observer, Mr. Robb had attended to the wear of the tables; had seen the infundibula had become defined, and the surrounding surface broad. He had also remarked the gums, and seen that those of the lower jaw were slightly red; and, taking these tokens in conjunction with the appearance of the colt, arrived at a conclusion which the result proved to be correct, and which did not show the mouth deficient in its symbols. Mr. Goodwin, veterinary surgeon to the Queen, has casts of mouths taken from horses of known ages. No gentleman connected with the veterinary profession, perhaps, has enjoyed such peculiar opportunities as Mr. Goodwin, and no one could be characterized by a greater inclination to take advantage of them. With a natural talent for observation, and an innate love for scientific inquiry, combined with enthusiasm in the cause of truth, Mr. Goodwin has, in the midst of ill health, pursued his researches, and spite of an opposition, which did not stop short of calumny, fearlessly advanced his opinions. Those opinions, Mr. Goodwin's position, and his acknowledged ability should have claimed consideration for. The conclusions which had not been hastily arrived at, ought to have been deliberately weighed. The author of this work is proud to acknowledge the obligation under which the courtesy of Mr. Goodwin has placed him, and with pleasure confesses that he has, in that gentleman's society, learned much upon a subject which he had previously diligently studied to become the master of. The facts which Mr. Goodwin brings forward in support of his convictions, are strange and startling. The candour with which he courts investigation, enforces belief. He is certainly right in his own sphere; so far as his observations have extended, his conclusion cannot be overthrown. To the information he has generously afforded the author, allusion will repeatedly be made in the course of this work; but at present the remarks must be confined to the models in Mr. Goodwin's possession. One of these exhibits the mouth of a colt called Julius, (which was ridden by Her Majesty) retaining the lateral milk incisors, when but a few days were wanting for the completion of the fourth year. The teeth that should have been shed, however, are evidently on the eve of leaving the jaw, and therefore though an exception, it is not so much so as to grossly mislead the judgment beyond a few months. It is to be regretted that the molars of this horse were not examined, and to the tables of the incisors, as shown in the model, I make no allusion, because these parts evidently have not received the particular attention of the artist, and consequently cannot be argued upon. The same gentleman has also favoured me with the inspection of a model of the teeth of a horse known to have wanted three months of the third year: nevertheless the mouth is that of a colt which would be pronounced to be "rising four." The lateral incisors on both sides, and in both jaws are fully up, and they possess tables, which, if correctly depicted, indicate that for some time they have been in apposition. A lusus naturæ of this sort is beyond the pale of reason. Connected with it there is no record of the development of the molars; and on the state of the tables as shown in the cast, I am, for the causes before stated, not inclined to place any great reliance. The growth of the incisors shows the colt to be "rising four;" the evidence declares it only to be "coming three." Here is an exception to a general rule: one which I believe is unique; at all events I am aware of the existence of no similar specimen; and it is to be lamented that the growth of the incisors, from the earliest period, had not in this horse been observed. As a unique specimen it is curious, but as a premature and extraordinary development, it cannot be opposed to a general rule. Children have been born with three legs, or joined together at various parts; but the race of men are nevertheless described as having two inferior extremities, and as being independent in their existence. A solitary instance is no more than a curiosity, and, until it is proved to be the exemplification of a general rule, must not be made the basis of a general deduction. Such occurrences, however rare, nevertheless deserve consideration; and had the animal last alluded to been trained, there is no doubt any qualified judge would have pronounced it beyond the actual age. Therefore, gentlemen possessed of racing studs, should, from time to time, have the mouths of their horses examined by approved members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, that any irregularity of development may be known and stated. To neglect so simple and reasonable a precaution, is to incur a needless hazard. By adopting it, the proprietor would be prepared to meet objection; and the idle reports that every year get into circulation would be quashed at their birth. A firmer basis for the authenticity of the age would be established than the reputation of the owner; and gentlemen would not annually be subjected to having their characters questioned by a host of interested ignoramuses. The turf is bound to adopt some measure of this kind for its own defence, especially as the honour of its members is, on every occasion, called into question, and a single instance of suspicion, seems, in the public eye, to warrant a general aspersion.

46. _When rising five years old all the horse teeth are in the mouth, but the corner teeth have yet to meet._ The peculiar sign of this particular age is the loss of the corner temporary incisors. It is scarcely possible to mistake the last milk tooth of the four year old, for the horse incisor which is characteristic of the fifth year; the difference between them is so great, that no person ought to confound one with the other. The corner milk tooth is often by the third year worn almost to a stump; its table being somewhat triangular, or occasionally round. By the fourth year it generally becomes a mere stump, or so changed in appearance that it contrasts in size with the other nippers, and seems incapable of performing any active function. At first, the permanent tooth when it makes its appearance, strikes us by its greater breadth, the gum not then having sufficiently retracted, or the tooth sufficiently grown to allow its after length being estimated. When the corner teeth are in the mouth, some time will elapse before they touch, but the incisors are then arranged so as to represent almost a semi-circle. The annexed wood-cut will convey an idea of the manner in which they are placed, and also of the shape of the tables of the central and lateral nippers, at the time when the corner teeth do not approximate, although they are through the gums.

The periods when the teeth which characterize the fifth year make their appearance, must now be described. When the animal is four years and three months of age, the gums of the upper corner teeth begin to redden, and before it is three months older, one of the corner milk teeth may have been removed. The opposite milk tooth speedily follows, and then the corner horse incisors grow down, and seem almost to be fully developed before the corner milk teeth of the lower jaw are shed. When, however, all the milk teeth are lost, the corner incisors will not touch for some time; and by the completion of the fifth year, though the teeth approximate, their tables are not formed, nor do their edges denote any amount of attrition. The corner tooth at five years old, looks young, and is principally covered by the membraneous crusta petrosa, which give to it a dark aspect, as though it were encrusted with tartar, little of the enamel being to be seen, while the shape of the gum is also characteristic. The five year old mouth, therefore, is easy of recognition, the shelly character of the corner teeth being very marked and not subject to much eccentricity in its figure. As five however, is the age when, for general purposes, the majority of high priced horses are brought into the market, the changes which take place before and after this period have been illustrated in the coloured engravings. When the animal is near to or rising five, the corner teeth are dark coloured, and though they touch, nevertheless their edges are not fairly together. The superior surfaces exhibit no tables, and the general aspect is such as is depicted in the engraving; the original of which was made from recollection of the appearances presented by the mouth of Mr. Payne's Rebel, which horse was seen at Hampton Court. The drawing was more recently corroborated and corrected by the mouth of a fine young black hunter, the property E. C. Crowley, Esq. The peculiarities of this age, as denoted by the corner teeth not closing, should be remarked. It is not altogether unimportant to observe this circumstance, as animals are esteemed suitable for particular uses, only after the fifth year has been completed, and certainly all are less liable to disease when the mouth has been perfected. The distinction, therefore, is of some moment; and the better to enforce it, the reader will remember, that not until the accomplishment of the fifth year do the tables of the corner teeth begin to show: even at that time, however, they are very imperfect.

_A full Mouth of Horse Incisors, all the edges of which fairly meet._]

_All the Horse Teeth in the Mouth, but the Corner Teeth have yet to meet._]

47. _At five years old there is a full mouth of horse incisors, all the edges of which fairly meet._ The coloured engraving--which has been amply proved, by comparing it with the mouths of horses of various breed, among which those of blood have not been forgotten, since it was last tested by the aspect presented by the teeth of the well-known horse, The Baron,--will instruct the reader in the altered character which the mouth now assumes. It looks more huge, and far more powerful than it did at the fourth year. The teeth fairly close, but on inspection there can be detected slight signs of wear. The tables are not yet formed. The anterior edges alone are rendered level; all posterior to the infundibulum being as yet untouched. The tables then present the appearance indicated in the following wood-cut, which also represents the semi-circular order in which they are arranged.

48. _At five years off the corner teeth only show slight wear, and the posterior margins are round._ Much of the original coating of the crusta petrosa is retained, but in colour it may not at this time be dark. At those places where it has been recently worn down, it is often of a yellow tint, which is but a little deeper than the enamel, which last, however, is nevertheless easily distinguished by its greater transparency and more pearly appearance. This peculiarity in the crusta petrosa not unseldom gives to the six year old mouth a darker aspect than is presented by the teeth of the younger animal; and the author, to convey to the reader some idea of this fact, has purposely rendered the incisors of the next representation of the mouth, as they frequently are seen. Such a circumstance, however, will not confuse the judgment. The corner nippers still look young to him who is acquainted with those signs which denote youth in the horse's teeth, and the coloured engraving will convey a fair idea of the aspect they now put on. The corner nipper, in fact, after the fourth year, leads, in a great measure, if it does not entirely sway, the judgment. This tooth is sometimes called the shell tooth, on account of its infundibulum being, for the most part, better exhibited and longer retained than in the other incisors. The tables, however, of the other teeth should also receive some attention: those of the centre nippers may exhibit the infundibula shallow, or, in certain instances, when the crusta petrosa which lines these cavities is very thick, no infundibula may be distinguishable: even then, however, on close inspection, the form of the cavity will be discovered, marked out by a line of enamel, and the space that is usually vacant filled up with a substance, which in appearance differs little from the ivory. The tables of the lateral incisors will be fully formed, and the infundibulum is rarely obliterated, while its margin is always circumscribed and well defined, as the previous wood-cuts will indicate.

_The Corner Teeth only show slight wear, and the posterior Margins are round._]

_The Corner Teeth look more firmly set, and their edges begin to be uneven._]

49. _At six years of age, the corner teeth look more firmly set, and their edges begin to be uneven_; they have become more square in the figure of the external surface; the edges of the teeth, when the mouth is closed, fairly meet; the round appearance of the posterior border is nearly lost, and the teeth are altogether of a most prominent character. The table of the corner teeth, nevertheless, is still confined to the part anterior to the infundibulum, which cavity is not yet fairly circumscribed or surrounded by a level margin. The infundibula may be lost in the central incisors, and those of the lateral teeth may begin to look shallow; but more generally these cavities are retained at six years old. The tables, likewise, have somewhat changed their positions, and the semi-circle which they formed at the fifth year, now is hardly so perfect, though still well marked. The above description will be the better understood by reference to the coloured engraving, which has been compared with the mouths of numerous animals, viz., Skeleton Sorella, and a brown horse, the property of Mr. T. Brown, &c., &c. The reader, however, will at once recognise the general truth of the drawing, the purpose of which the accompanying wood-cut will serve to explain. The alteration in the semi-circular arrangement will be better perceived by contrasting the present diagram with the one which preceded it, and though the change may not seem very great, nevertheless, sufficient is indicated to instruct the eye accustomed to observe it. The corner teeth have now acquired a degree of surface which will fairly represent a table, though it is still imperfect. The more darkly shaded portion of the separated table denotes the part which has yet received no attrition, but notwithstanding it is readily discerned that the nipper has come into active use.

50. _At seven years off, the corner teeth, without showing age, exhibit further evidence of wear._ The coloured engraving to which the reader must refer, exhibits those alterations which have now taken place. The original sketch was made from the mouth of a horse in the possession of the author's father, and having been corroborated by the inspection of numerous others, it is confidently put forward as characteristic of the age. I cannot here forbear from acknowledging the personal kindness and professional attention bestowed upon me by Mr. Percival, who, on being made aware that I was engaged upon a work illustrative of the horse's teeth, not only allowed me to inspect the mouths of the animals under his charge, but honoured me by accompanying me and assisted my endeavours to arrive at a just conclusion by his remarks. I have also to express my thanks to Mr. Braby for the liberty to inspect the large stud of heavy dray horses in the stables of Messrs. Barclay and Perkins, the eminent brewers. The advantages I derived from comparing so many mouths of the same age at the same time, and the facilities which were given of minutely examining each, enable me with more certainty to speak upon a subject which otherwise it would have been prudent to mention only in the most qualified terms. However, after such ample investigation, I can, with confidence, refer to the plate depicting the mouth at seven years off. Looking at it, the reader will see the teeth have become more white, in consequence of the crusta petrosa having, by the natural wear, been to a greater extent removed. The tushes are exhibited as fully up, in which condition they are generally seen. Where the corner teeth meet, they close in such a manner as denotes considerable use. The way in which the gums encircle the necks of the shell teeth has also changed. By referring back to the engraving of the five-year off mouth, the difference will be more readily understood, the round arrangement of the gums at the earlier age being very significant. The tables of the teeth, however, at this period ought never to be overlooked; they afford, perhaps, the best indications on which the judgment can be based. The infundibula may or may not be gone in the lateral teeth; but those of the corner teeth have at this age become defined. Where the corner teeth meet, in consequence of those of the lower jaw being, in many horses, a little the most forward, the upper shell teeth may present posteriorly a small projection, which is seldom seen prior to the seventh year. When this is present, it is so obvious as not to escape observation, therefore, it has not been depicted in the coloured engraving, which has purposely been made to represent the less marked indication that is more difficult to judge by. The reader will see the projection alluded to slightly indicated in the previous coloured engraving, portraying the mouth at six years off. Where the two shell teeth meet, he will observe that the most backward portion of the upper, not being opposed by the lower tooth, and consequently suffering no wear, bulges slightly downwards. It is this particular part, which often at the seventh year, by the wearing down of the upper tooth, becomes so apparent as to be significant of the age. It is, however, not constantly present, and the tables consequently become of the greater importance, as they are always to be found. Those of the lateral incisors begin to depart from their oval figure, and those of the central nippers are growing decidedly angular: the tushes may have the edges slightly rounded, and the semi-circle which the tables of the incisors formed when the animal was five years old, may exhibit some inclination to change in favour of the lineal arrangement that is in many horses so prominently marked in old age. This semi-circular arrangement of the incisors is most conspicuous when the colt is rising five; and from that period gradually alters, till in very old subjects the tables will occasionally be ranged almost in a straight line. The alteration which takes place in this respect is, however, by no means uniform, and though, consequently, no rule can be absolutely laid down concerning it, yet, from the known inclination of the teeth to assume a certain figure, an inference can be drawn which, connected with other signs, enables a pretty close opinion to be formed. At the seventh year, however, the corner teeth, their external figure, and the form of their tables, taken in conjunction with the wear exhibited by the central and lateral incisors, and considered with the narrowed but not yet sharp edge of the lower jaw, enable the judge to arrive, with tolerable certainty, at a conclusion. The following representation of the tables, taken in conjunction with the coloured engraving of the seven-year old mouth, will convey an idea of its appearance at that age. The reader will remark the infundibulum of the corner tooth has become circumscribed, being now encircled by a flattened surface, which posteriorly is of some width.

_The Corner Teeth without showing age, exhibit further evidence of wear._]

_The Gum of the lower Corner Teeth has become Square, and the lower Tush blunt._]

51. _At eight years off, the gum of the lower corner tooth has become square, and the lower tush blunt._ The original drawing was made from the teeth of that noted horse, Oakley; and in order to render it as perfect as possible, the mouths of mares (Meal, Edgworth, Bess, &c.) have been compared. The departure from the circular form of the gum, as depicted in the coloured engraving, is even more marked than it was at the seventh year. Added to this change of figure, the gums appear more hard and less delicate; the mouth looks more firm, and seems to have attained the perfection of its strength. The margin of the lower jaw is now comparatively sharp, and the cheeks are flat. The crusta petrosa on the upper teeth is in a great degree removed; the enamel not yet, however, having a marked yellow tinge. On the lower corner incisors the crusta petrosa may still continue, but it no longer has a dull brown aspect: it is never prominent at this age, but rather speckled over the outer surface, than regularly enveloping any portion of it. It has a somewhat rough and worm-eaten aspect, and in colour is nearer to a dirty yellow than a dull brown. If the posterior angle of the upper corner incisor is pendant, or exhibits that species of notch, which was alluded to in the previous paragraph, it is at the eighth year well shown, and the table has undergone considerable alteration. There is now on the shell tooth, a full table, the infundibulum of which, if not obliterated, is always of lessened size, well marked out, and on all sides surrounded by a broad and a flattened surface. The other teeth have also changed their figures. The tables of the centre nippers have taken on a decided angular shape, and those of the lateral display no dubious tendency to assume that form. The infundibula may be obliterated, but more generally those in the lateral and corner teeth are retained, or if now absent, the circle of enamel will, on inspection, show that the cavity is only filled up by crusta petrosa, not absolutely worn out. The following wood-cuts exhibit the changes which the tables undergo; and as the eighth year is an important one, inasmuch as the horse which has attained it is called "aged," a double set is here introduced, to show the difference of figure which these parts may present. In those tables, it will be seen the infundibulum has gone from a central nipper only; but even in that instance, a white mark indicates that the cavity is merely filled up by crusta petrosa, the enamelled lining not being yet worn out. The alteration in the form and magnitude of the infundibula cannot, if the accompanying wood-cut be compared with those which have preceded it, fail to strike the reader; indeed these changes, aided by the worn appearance of tables of the shell teeth, are now the principal guides when judging of the age by the mouth.

52. _After the eighth year_, there is no certainty in any opinion drawn from the teeth. A guess may be hazarded, and very often that guess will prove correct, but at the same time it should be received only as a conjecture. The chance of naming the age decreases as the number of years increase. After the twelfth, the probability of hitting the exact year is very small. After the sixteenth year, all is confusion, and there remains no sign which could warrant any person in pretending he could pronounce the age by the teeth. It is true that certain tokens may induce a conviction that an animal is much older than sixteen, and this conviction may be so justified as to amount almost to a certainty; but no man, I imagine, could form any opinion with regard to the number of years by which a horse exceeded sixteen, or pronounce a decision that should have any appearance of exactitude. They who pretend to an ability of this kind, may, in a few solitary instances, strike the point; but repeated failures will show that there is no positive principle in operation to guide the judgment. Indeed the age is most correctly told during the periods of dentition, and up to the sixth year. After the sixth year, the certainty is not so great, but a very fair, if not a positive judgment can be pronounced until the eighth year is accomplished. After the eighth year, no man should give an unqualified opinion concerning the age of a horse. After the twelfth, whatever may be pronounced should be offered only as a conjecture; and, after the sixteenth, the practitioner had better be silent. When stating this the author must be understood as expressing the conviction at which almost exclusive attention to the subject, and much necessary consideration, has enabled him to arrive. It must not, however, be thought that he is arrogating a power of measuring the capabilities of genius; his wish is only to declare the truth as he perceives it. The intention to publish a work upon the teeth has not been concealed; opinions have been solicited and information sought; the author has many obligations to acknowledge; all to whom he has made application have been liberal in their communications; but from no one has he been able to obtain anything opposed to the conclusions he has here promulgated. It may be that hereafter the power of judging of the age shall be extended. Pessina and the Girards thought it could be done with exactitude up to an extreme point, and saw a principle in the latest changes which the teeth undergo. The general experience in this country, however, seems to have decided that, after the eighth year, there is no certainty. With that decision the author is reluctantly obliged to acquiesce, and even to add that certainty is not to be obtained after the sixth year. This limitation, coupled as it is with a confession of inability, may seem to be a backward movement; but truth cannot retrograde. By ascertaining how far our present knowledge leads us, a motive is given to genius by the opportunity created for its exercise. No pains have been spared to investigate the hypotheses which have been made known; they have been candidly put to the test, and on the proof of their inefficiency discarded. That the reader may judge for himself, the tables of teeth, and mouths of various ages are presented. The altered aspect of the tables at the ninth year is indicated in the following wood-cut, which exhibits these surfaces as gaining depth and narrowing from side to side. This appearance they generally assume, and at the same time the infundibula are either lost or much contracted.

The next wood-cut, which depicts the form of the tables at the tenth year, though true in its general character, will serve to show how far dependence may be placed in ordinary signs, since the infundibulum of the lateral nipper shows a well-marked cavity, while from the other teeth it seems to be upon the eve of disappearing. On inspection, however, it will be seen that in figures the tables approach more towards the square, which is the last form these surfaces assume.

53. _At twelve years old, there may be tartar on the lower tush. The teeth are longer, narrower, and the enamel darker._ The coloured engraving, which was, on the last occasion justified by a comparison with the mouth of that famous horse, Charles the Twelfth, will convey a general idea of the prevailing characteristics of this age. The teeth have lost the white and firm set aspect they bore at the eighth year. Often, at this period, they have, by wear, become irregular generally, as exhibited in the plate; the grooves, extending down the length of the upper incisors, contain the remnants of the crusta petrosa, which is almost black. The upper tush is usually much diminished, while the lower is long, especially in stallions kept for service. The teeth project more outward and begin to arrange themselves more in a line, no longer showing the crescentic order which they assumed at five years old. Also, by the twelfth year, the tongue, when the jaws are closed, protrudes from the open space between the incisors and molars. The degree in which these alterations have taken place, together with the protrusion of the incisors, is all that is present to guide the judgment; and practical experience is needed, to give him, who attempts to decide upon such weak evidence, any chance of success. As in cases of this description every thing that can help the judgment is eagerly seized upon, the general appearance of the animal is always to be considered; and that may warn the practitioner to modify his opinion. The lower jaw is sharp, the cheeks flat, and around the tushes there may be an accumulation of tartar. It is true the tables, consequent on the wear of the teeth, will have undergone some change, but that alteration is now so slightly marked as not to enforce itself upon the observation. It is easily overlooked, and by no means easily recognised. The annexed wood-cut will suggest the nature of the change. In it will be seen a further remove from the oval form of these parts in the young mouth. The surfaces have become square or angular, and the corners are only sufficiently rounded to indicate what once was the shape which they exhibited.

The following wood-cut depicts the tables at the completion of the fourteenth year, and only by careful comparison could the increase of age which they denote be detected. On inspection, however, it will be seen that the irregularities of outline are less prominent even than at the twelfth year.

_Tartar on the lower Tush. The teeth longer, narrower, and the enamel darker._]

_The Form of the Mouth changed, and the lower Teeth imperfectly seen from the front._]

54. _At sixteen years old, when the teeth are viewed from the side, only two incisors can be seen in the lower jaw_, as depicted in the coloured engraving, which was last authenticated by the mouth of Muley Moloch, which favourite stallion I was, by the kindness of Mr. Theobald, permitted to examine at his well-known establishment, where I also saw many other horses of the purest blood and highest promise. Of the excellence of the arrangements and the value of the animals, which give character to that gentleman's establishment, it would be presumption of me to speak. I have only to express my admiration of what I beheld, and tender my thanks for the attention I received. The engraving, however, was fortunately corroborated, and its general indications may therefore be accepted. The enamel has entirely lost its white and pearly tone. The tushes, perhaps, loaded with tartar in both jaws, are blunt, and generally either very short or long, inclining somewhat outward. The extension of the crescentic arrangement of the lower teeth enables only two to be seen when the parts are viewed from the side. The tongue protrudes to an obvious degree, and the saliva runs from the mouth when the jaws are separated. The edge of the lower jaw is very sharp and somewhat retracted, while the incisors have taken a horizontal direction. No sign, however, save the protrusion of the tongue, is positive. The general character is that of advanced age, and this general character, at once recognised by the eye of experience, is more to be depended upon than the teeth themselves. The teeth have now assumed the permanent character of old age; and in the figure of the tables will undergo no further alteration upon which any dependence can be placed. Up to the sixteenth year, however, the tables deserve to be consulted. Below is exhibited such evidence as they present, which the reader will perceive is so nice and delicately marked as to be easily misinterpreted. In the tables which belonged to the fourteenth year, it will be seen the infundibula are almost gone, a speck alone denotes their latest trace; nevertheless, the next wood-cut, which exhibits the tables at the sixteenth year, will show that the absence of the infundibula is not to be relied upon. Still the advance in age is, though feebly, indicated. The central incisor has assumed a form which is peculiarly characteristic of age in the horse. It is seldom that at sixteen years all the tables take so marked a shape, but some of them, and generally those in the centre, will, at this period, be symbolical of the truth.

Had it not been for the very conspicuous indication of the central tables, the others in the former wood-cut might have been reasonably decided to be more juvenile in their aspect.

55. _At twenty years old, the form of the mouth has changed, and the lower teeth are imperfectly seen from the front._ This circumstance springs from the more horizontal direction which the teeth have now assumed, and the acuteness of the angle which they consequently form when closed. The engraving also depicts that alteration in position which disables a person, standing in front, from well seeing both rows of incisors when the lips are separated. When the upper incisors are fairly presented to the sight, a partial view only of the lower teeth is obtained, and as the age advances even that is lost. Further inspection also shows additional changes in position, shape, and tint. The grooves are broad, deep, and well marked by their dark colour. Between the upper incisors there are interspaces in which the food has accumulated and become black, giving to the mouth the appearance represented in the coloured plate. The upper tush, which is now of a brownish hue, may be worn to the gum, and the lower continue long and surrounded by tartar, or both may be reduced to mere stumps. The tongue protrudes greatly; the membrane of the mouth seems hard; and no longer vascular, it is thrown into wrinkles. The edge of the lower jaw is sensibly retracted, and its sides are flattened or narrowed. The general appearance indicates the decay of nature. Here again, however, nothing is positive, save the yellowness of the teeth and the protrusion of the tongue. The general character of the animal is of more value than the indications of the mouth; and, persons familiar with horses can, sometimes by this, guess the age of an animal with the same approach to accuracy, which most people exhibit, when pronouncing the extent of an individual's life, by simply looking at a man's face. In neither instance, perhaps, could the basis of the opinion, which possibly shall approach very close to correctness, be accurately stated. Proof, as to the evidence upon which a conclusion is in such cases based, cannot be anticipated, and to the inquiry how they were able to tell the age, each would probably answer, by the "looks," but neither would be capable of precisely defining in what these "looks" consisted.

56. _At thirty years old, the jaws are contracted; the lower are not seen when the upper teeth are in view._ The coloured engraving, which at first sight seems to suggest that the animal possessed only a single jaw, exhibits the mouth as it appears at the thirtieth year. The animal, the mouth of which is here depicted, had a lower jaw with excellent teeth considering its age, but without elevating its head these could not, while the mouth was closed, be seen, or when seen, the view of those in the upper jaw was lost. This peculiarity arises from the teeth having taken a still more horizontal inclination; they are now crowded together; and, from the irregularity of their wear, may assume the pointed figure indicated in the plate. The change of colour also has become more decided, and the general indications, which have been before alluded to, are more marked. After what has been so frequently repeated concerning the deceptive character of the tables in extreme age, little, perhaps, need be added to that subject. Nevertheless, to convey an idea of the appearances which these surfaces may assume, subjoined are wood-cuts taken from authenticated mouths, for the inspection of which I am indebted to the liberality of Mr. Ernes, of Dockhead, who has paid great attention to the changes of the teeth. To the honour of that gentleman, I may, while confessing the heavy obligations under which his generosity has placed me, here mention, that no member of the veterinary profession had, to my knowledge, under his care so great a number of animals working at a period of life when the horse is usually supposed to be worthless. The majority of these were in good condition, active, and capable of doing every kind of ordinary service. They presented a pleasing spectacle, more than creditable to the talent of him under whose charge they had retained health and vigour. The aspects which the tables of the teeth exhibited, however, were such as set judgment at defiance, and for the purpose of enabling the reader to form his own opinion on the matter, engravings of a few of them are here introduced.

The above wood-cut exhibits the tables and arrangement of the incisors as they were seen in the mouth of an animal which was proved to be no less than twenty-eight years old. Any one, who should base his opinion solely on the marks, must have pronounced the creature to have been no more than five, since none of the infundibula are lost. The semi-circular arrangement also had suffered no very material change, and altogether the contrast with the next representation of the same parts, as they appeared in the mouth of a horse which was but one year older, is very striking.

In the above engraving the teeth are seen to be ranged almost in a line, which is the form they have a disposition to take at this great age. The appearance, here delineated, is more true than the foregoing in its general character, the infundibula being entirely worn out; for the specks in the centre of the tables show, not the remains of the last portion of the marks, but the exposure of the upper extremity of what once was the cavity of the pulp. In the next wood-cut, however, which depicts the tables of the teeth which were in the jaw of a horse, that had reached its thirtieth year, and from which the drawing for the coloured engraving was made, displays a portion of the infundibulum still retained in the corner incisor. The true character of age nevertheless is conspicuous in the form of the tables.

_The jaw contracted. The lower teeth not seen when the upper are in view._]

_Viewed from the side, only two Incisors can be seen in the lower jaw._]

Such contradictory indications admit of being to a certain degree reconciled. The representations of the tables are correctly given, but, in the living mouths, these were corrected by the appearances of the teeth themselves. The incisors of the horse which was twenty-eight years old had suffered but little wear. An unusual degree of hardness, or an extraordinary power of self-preservation, contributed to keep them, so far as the tables were concerned, in appearance, young, long after the season of youth had passed. Almost from the fifth year the tables would seem to have suffered but a very gradual change; for even when twenty-eight, these parts do not indicate the horse to be more than "aged." The absence of wear may, in some measure, be attributed to the kind of food which the animal had consumed, it having been chiefly fed from the manger; and also to its being of a quiet disposition, or not inclined to bite and snap when the groom was dressing it. The want of wear, however, did not necessitate the cessation of growth, which went on at the natural rate; therefore, though the tables had a very youthful look, the teeth were, nevertheless, unusually long, and gave to the mouth a decided appearance of age. Their colour, and the removal of almost every vestige of the crusta petrosa, together with the general appearance of the horse, was sufficient to awaken those suspicions which would warn the practitioner. The eccentricities, however, which particular parts can exhibit, will teach the student, that a conclusion should only be drawn from observation and comparison of all the various signs which the teeth present. No sign can be singly relied on; but, by weighing the evidence, and placing the contradictory indications in opposition, something approaching to truth may, even in extreme age, be deduced; though such deductions, for obvious reasons, ought to be expressed with caution, and never, under any circumstances, positively advanced. Mr. Henderson, the respected veterinary surgeon to Her Majesty the Queen Dowager, possesses in his museum many interesting specimens of the teeth. Among the rest, he has the jaw of an animal which was ascertained to have reached the thirty-eighth year. This preparation, however, exhibits no sign that could characterize the extreme age which the horse had attained, and I allude to it, only as a confirmation of the opinion I have expressed, that, as the period of life advances, the mouth of the horse becomes more and more difficult of interpretation.