Onze Stam. Jaargang 1907
(1907)– [tijdschrift] Onze Stam–
[pagina 9]
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The MouseThe MouseGa naar voetnoot(1) is called a rodent;Ga naar voetnoot(2) that is an animal which gnaws.Ga naar voetnoot(3) Its teethGa naar voetnoot(4) are especially suitedGa naar voetnoot(5) for this work and consist of two kinds incisors or cutting teeth and molars or grindingGa naar voetnoot(6) teeth. The incisors are four in number. They are the front teeth, two in the upper and two in the lower jawGa naar voetnoot(7). They are curved,Ga naar voetnoot(8) long, broad, flat, and very sharp. They are sometimes called chiselGa naar voetnoot(9) teeth, because they are like a chisel in shape,Ga naar voetnoot(10) and work like a chisel, which cuts offGa naar voetnoot(11) wood in little slices.Ga naar voetnoot(12) It is with these teeth that the mouse nor only gnaws its food but also eats its way through boards.Ga naar voetnoot(13) The incisors continue to grow as long as the animal lives. They are therefore never worn awayGa naar voetnoot(14) by the constant hard use to which they are put and are always of the same length. If by accident one of these teeth is broken off, having nothing to work against and wear it away, continues to grow, causing injury (15) and sometimes death. These teeth are soft underneath, (16) and hard on the front or outer part, their edges (17) are always kept sharp like the edge of a chisel. Arnold. |
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