The next wood-cut exhibits the molara, immediately after it has lost its covering. At this time the table is very uneven, presenting points which the finger would readily recognize, but in a short time these wear off, and an even surface is obtained, rendering it level with the other teeth,b b.
As is here seen, when the crown has been removed, the permanent molar is well up, although it occupies the same place, and fills the same alveolar cavity which the temporary molar originally held. The horse incisors do not occupy the same cavities in which the milk incisors were placed, but are developed in cells formed especially for their reception, and come up rather behind than absolutely under the primary teeth. The form of the anterior part of the jaw in the foal admits of such an arrangement, and its greater comparative bulk gives all the space that was required. The space, however, between the branches of the lower jaw where the molars are developed, is filled by important muscles; and while any thickening externally would deteriorate from the symmetry of the head, any internal enlargement would have interfered with the free motion of the tongue and hyoideal appendages, the movements of both being as essential to perfect mastication as the presence of the teeth themselves. Hence the grinders are in their development regulated by a different law to the incisors; nor is the ordinization which declared the first should be well up, and the last scarcely to be seen when the period for casting off the temporary teeth arrived, to be passed over in silence. The molars are more important to the welfare of the animal than the incisors can be supposed to be. If the front teeth are irregular, the horse, nevertheless, can manage to feed; and if some are even wanting, the animal can subsist. A few would serve to grasp a sufficiency of food, especially such food as the state of the mouth, during the period of dentition, would dispose the colt to partake of. The animal is then in aninflammatorycondition—the system is excited—and it is a wise provision which leaves the creature inclined only, at such a time, to consume a soft and laxative herbage, not in too great a quantity. The molars, on the contrary, if irregular in their growth, or uneven upon their surfaces for any lengthened period, would produce great local pain, and much constitutional disturbance. The food, in consequence of the rugged condition of these teeth, would be imperfectly masticated, the organs of digestion would become impaired, and the whole frame would suffer. To prevent this, the molars are fully cut before the temporary tables are cast off, nor do both the tables leave the mouth at the same time. The one on the upper jaw is first shed, and it is not untilthis has, by attrition, been rendered somewhat flat, so as to present a surface upon, or against which the food can be ground that the permanent molar of the lower jaw is uncovered. The unevenness of the grinding agent becomes now of less moment, since the part over which it is to be moved has been rendered fit for its uses, and since there are other teeth that present all their surfaces, suited for the purposes of mastication.
34.The manner of examining the teethis simple enough, and yet a few remarks may as well be made upon this part of the subject. To see the incisors, all that is necessary is to part the lips; but many horses are naturally shy when their mouths are touched, and more are rendered so by unnecessary severity in the administration of medicine, or by the tricks to which they may have been subjected. A certain degree of caution is always needed when an animal is strange to the examiner. Where the horse shows a disposition to resist, the groom who attends upon it, if present, should be allowed to handle the mouth, the judge being content to look and form his opinion from what he sees. If thegroom be not in the way and the horse seems nervous, let the neck be patted, the face below the eye gently rubbed, then the nose caressed; and when the timid animal is assured that no harm is intended, the lips may be freely drawn asunder: but should the head be snatched away, when the first attempt to see the teeth is made, let the hand immediately release the mouth, rather than endeavour to retain the hold. It is far better to begin again than justify the fears of the horse, by a needless and worse than useless struggle, which in the end will probably be of no avail. After the horse has by forbearance been rendered quiet, while the lips are held asunder, theshape,colour,length, andobliquityof the teeth are noted, and the presence or absence of milk teeth observed. When this is done without violence, the animal will not often offer any opposition to the finger being introduced to feel the tushes, or to the sides of the mouth being separated so as to obtain a fair view of them. The examiner now places himself in front of the horse, and by introducing one finger behind the incisors and getting it under the tongue, will cause the animal to open its mouth, or the tongue may be seized and drawn out of themouth; and if confidence is established, no opposition will be offered to the jaws being kept for a short time apart. Of this, advantage is taken to observe the arrangement of the teeth, to inspect the tables, and to note the shape or depth of the infundibula. When all this has been accomplished, in less time perhaps than it takes to read a description of the process, the business is generally finished, and a conclusion has been arrived at that amounts to positive conviction. On certain occasions, however, it may be desirable to inspect the molars; and to do this properly requires a little tact. Some persons cast the horse for this slight operation: indeed, there are people who throw horses as though they imagined nothing could be done without the hobbles. There is, however, generally no occasion for such a proceeding; the twitch in the great majority of cases is all that is needed, and, with a little patience, even that instrument of torture may be dispensed with. A stool, or if nothing better is at hand, the stable pail is fetched for the operator to stand upon, so as to look with ease into the mouth of the elevated head. The animal is led into a good light, the balling iron placed between its jaws to keep themasunder, the tongue being drawn out to the side, removed from that which it is desired to inspect. While the mouth is thus distended, the person who is to judge, mounts the stool or pail, and looks into it till he is satisfied. Should the operator be desirous of feeling the teeth, he descends from his rostrum, and having pulled off his coat and bared his arm, introduces it into the mouth, while the tongue is drawn to one side by the assistant who holds the iron; always, however, taking care if possible, to have a balling iron which is open on one side, the arm being so introduced that the elbow is towards the free space. Should this precaution be neglected, if the horse prove suddenly restive, an accident may ensue. The lower jaw being easiest felt, and the teeth therein situated being most readily counted, that is the part generally manipulated. This is not difficult unless made so, and often rendered dangerous by the intemperance of the party who undertakes to accomplish it. Having described it, the author will now proceed to state the times at which the different teeth appear, and the signs which they exhibit.
35.At birththe foal has usually three molar teeth on either side of each jaw,* and perhaps two front incisors, which last are then lateral in situation, and appear to be very large in proportion to the age of the animal. It is, however, usually a fortnight or three weeks after birth before the incisors appear. I have to acknowledge the greatest obligations to the Messrs. Tattersall, for the valuable opportunities afforded me of inspecting blood stock, at their large and admirably-conducted establishment at Willesden Paddocks.
* The wolf’s teeth at the anterior of the two rows of upper molars are generally present or indicated at birth; but as they are not invariably found, and are by no means to be depended upon as significant of the age, no direct notice need be taken of their existence.
36.At six weeks, two more incisors are generally cut in either jaw, and those which originally seemed to grow from the sides, have, by this time, taken a position more directly in the front of the mouth.
37.At six months, the incisors have moved almost into the situation they will hereafter occupy, and the jaw appears somewhat elongated; but, if the gumsbe observed, it will be seen that nature is preparing to cut the corner milk teeth, which may even be through the gum.
38.At nine months old, the corner milk teeth are up, but their edges do not yet meet.The coloured engraving will show the appearance they present, and likewise exhibit the protruded state of the gums at this age. The drawing was made from a head in the author’s possession. It has been tested several times, and its correctness fully ascertained. The last occasion, when it was authenticated, was by the mouth of a bay colt, by Muley Moloch, out of Canaletti’s dam, with which it perfectly agreed.
NINE MONTHS OLD.The Corner Milk-teeth up, buttheir edges do not yet meet.
TWO YEARS OLD.A full Mouth of Milk Incisors,all of which show considerable wear.
39.At one year, all the temporary teeth are up and in apposition; but by this time two pairs of permanent teeth, which are the fourth molars, have made their appearance, and the yearling therefore has sixteen molars and twelve incisors, or twenty-eight teeth. The large number of yearlings annually brought into the market afford such frequent opportunities of examining the mouth at this age, that I need not state here the means by which the drawinghas been authenticated. It would be a task of supererrogation to allude further to a fact which is so well known and thoroughly established.
40.At eighteen months, the incisors show some wear, the infundibula look as if they would soon be obliterated; indeed some of them may be lost. At or about this time also four more permanent molars, one on each side of either jaw, being the fifth in situation, protrude into the mouth.
41.At two years old, there is a full mouth of milk incisors, all of which show considerable wear.The coloured engraving of the two-year old mouth, will convey an accurate idea of the features which it presents at that age. The original drawing was made for the Jockey Club in anticipation of the celebrated Running Rein trial. Accepted by such authority, it perhaps hardly requires further proof of its correctness, but it has since been repeatedly tested. On the last occasion it was compared with the mouth of a chesnut filly, by Calmuck out of Miss Greatrex, and was found to agree with the indication therein presented. At two years, the infundibula are lost in thetemporary incisors, and the fifth molars are in perfect apposition; indeed the smooth surfaces of these last are the best evidence that the animal is two years old, for he cannot then be far below that age. The incisors having been for some time employed, but still being to be retained for some months, have an aspect of wear and strength conjoined. The two-year old mouth, therefore, by those who cannot distinguish the milk from the horse teeth, (none of the latter being present to help the judgment by the contrast they exhibit) is likely to be mistaken for that of a five-year old; especially if the colt chances to be somewhat fully developed. A regular horseman, however, would not require the aid of the mouth to discover the animal was still in its colthood.
42.At three years old, the centre horse teeth are well up, and are distinguished by their size, shape, and colour.The appearance which the mouth will exhibit, the coloured engraving represents. The original drawing is in the possession of the Jockey Club, for whom it was made. It has, however, been repeatedly tested, in order to place its correctness beyond doubt. Both colts and fillies have beeninspected for this purpose, and equally have the different breeds been consulted. As the public, however, place the greater confidence in blood stock, it may here be mentioned that the appearances perfectly coincided with those exhibited by a brown colt by Muley Moloch out of Miss Greatrex, and Roxey, a brown filly, by Lanercost, out of Ellen Percy, besides various others which it would be both needless and tedious to recapitulate. The mouth, at this period, indeed is so marked, and in general so regular, that it is the more readily recognized. The new horse incisors, by their size, contrast with the milk teeth which are still retained. The comparative length and squareness of their figure cannot fail to attract attention, and their deeper colour can hardly be unobserved; that colour is caused by much of the primitive coating of crusta petrosa being retained, or only removed from the edges where the enamel is bright. But as a vast number of horses are sold at this age, and many are started for heavy stakes, it will be imperative now to proceed more cautiously in the description. About this time the terms “rising three,” or “coming three,” or “three next birth-day,” are made use of, as well as “threeoff”—the first phrases indicating that the colt is yet between its second and third year, or will in a month or more be three years old, and the last term meaning that the animal has attained its third year, and has recently entered the fourth year of its existence. The season here materially aids the judgment; for if a blood horse shows a fair three-year old mouth in December, it is unhesitatingly pronounced to be “coming three;” and if it exhibits the same appearance in January the animal is declared to be “three off.” The same holds good with the coarser breeds, only, as before stated, the month of April would then be estimated as that of December in the former case, and May would answer to January. “Coming three,” however, can, with a little stretching of the term, be applied to any foal; and is commonly used when the colt is strictly but “two off;” for the terms are somewhat loosely used, though in their stringent sense a horse is only rising three, four, or five, after the mouth has began to assume the form which characterizes the respective ages. When the colt is two off, that is two years and three months old, the milk teeth are all retained, and to a casual observer, the mouth would still say “two.” A littlecloser observation will, however, correct the judgment, for looking attentively, perhaps a slight, and only a slight difference in the colour of the central incisors may be remarked. The tinting of the enamel may be a “thought” darker, and yet the contrast so delicate, that the difference can only be seen in a certain light. Then again casting the eye to the gums of the upper central incisors which are first shed, that part of them immediately covering the neck of one of these teeth may show a little redness, and the other exhibit nothing of the kind. The redness indicates that nature is making ready for the appearance of the permanent incisors, and on evidence no heavier than this, the animal is pronounced to be “two off.” The redness, it may be said, can be artificially produced—so it may be, but the natural character can hardly be imitated. The colour in the normal mouth is not deep or angry; it is not caused by inflammation, but is only increased vascularity of the part, and it is at first limited to the edge of the gum. The colt shows no symptoms of tenderness in the reddened gum, but stands quite as still, and even more quiet when it is pressed, than when the opposite one is handled. If the part hadbeen tampered with, the animal would probably tell tales when the finger touched it, and the redness would be more intense on the prominent or bulging portion of the gum than where the margin encircles the neck of the tooth; while it is ten to one inflammation had been produced rather than vascularity excited. Little occasion, therefore, is there to fear imposition, and little room for those who would practise it to hope for success. The next indication of advancing age is given by the gums growing more vascular, even now looking inflamed, while a yellow deposit (the nature of which is not well understood) may be seen upon the neck of the tooth, and the central incisors of the upper jaw, if felt, may probably be found loose. In another or about the sixth month, one of the central incisors is removed. It does not fall out, as is generally stated, but while the animal is feeding, the tooth is, as by accident, wrenched off. The gum bleeds, and being slightlylacerated, looks sore and angry for some time. The sharp edge of the new brown-coated permanent incisor is now seen protruding. In a week or two the remaining milk central incisor of the upper jaw is, by a seeming accident, forced out; and the mouth nowhas an irregular appearance, the edges of the upper central incisors not being level with the tables of the lateral milk teeth. The lower central incisors, when the upper milk teeth are lost, generally are loose, and their gums inflamed; but a month or sometimes six weeks may elapse before these are gone: by that time the upper permanent teeth have grown considerably. When the central milk incisors have disappeared, the molars begin to change, and those of the upper jaw are the first uncovered; not in any regular order, or the two teeth on the same day, but generally the first molar before the second, the wolf’s teeth mostly departing at the same time. A week or two subsequent, the first two permanent molars of the lower jaw are laid bare, so that at or about the ninth month, the horse has all those teeth, which denote the animal to be three years old, fairly in the mouth; that is, he has between the second and third year cut four horse incisors and eight permanent molars. Lest the description should not be perfectly clear, or such as to enable the reader to readily understand which teeth by this time are shed, a drawing of the head of an adult animal, which forms the frontispiece of this work, was designed. It will enable the readerto form some notion of the extent of the horse’s mouth and likewise of the positions of the teeth. Near to the teeth will be seen figures which do not denote the periods when these organs first appear, but the time at which they are fairly up, or to some extent exhibit wear. In that engraving no further notice is taken of the milk teeth than is conveyed by the small star associated with such of the figures as indicate the places from which they have been displaced: thus the figures 1, 2, and the last 4, having no star, indicate that those molars are developed only as permanent teeth. The figures 3*, 3*, 3*, having stars, denote that milk teeth originally occupied the situations where these teeth are shown: those figures will be seen above and below the central incisors and the first two molars of either jaw; and as but one side of the face could be displayed, of course the number has to be doubled, the colt getting twelve additional permanent teeth by the time it completes the third year. At three years, therefore, the central permanent nippers are in apposition, and show wear, though to only a limited extent. The infundibulum is broad, as depicted in the accompanying cut.
In the above representation of the table of a three year old tooth, it will be remarked that the infundibulum appears in the outward direction to extend quite across the surface. This aspect is produced by an indentation at that part, which, by the completion of the third year, is in most instances not worn out, but after the third year is attained, it speedily disappears; so the table of the three year off has become somewhat broader, and the infundibulum circumscribed, or well defined, as it is shown in the subjoined wood-cut.
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 whichhad 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.
THREE YEARS OLD.The Centre Horse Teeth well up anddistinguished by size, shape, and Colour.
THREE YEARS OFF.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 thereinexhibited 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 completionof 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.
RISING FOUR YEARS.The lateral Horse Teeth in the Mouth,but their edges not fairly meeting.
FOUR YEARS OLD.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, isshown 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 molarpenetrates 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 alsothe 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 itto 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 inthe 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 themouth 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 onthe 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, gentlemenpossessed 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 scarcelypossible 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 anyamount 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.
FIVE YEARS OLD.A full Mouth of Horse Incisors,all the edges of which fairly meet.
RISING FIVE YEARS.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 theinfundibulum israrely obliterated, while its margin is always circumscribed and well defined, as the previous wood-cuts will indicate.
FIVE YEARS OFF.The Corner Teeth only show slight wear,and the posterior Margins are round.
SIX YEARS OFF.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, havesomewhat 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 accompanyingme 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, theround 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 tobe 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.