THE HIGHLAND AND AGEICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 179 



Fifty-fifth Session, 1877-78. 



The number of candidates who entered their names was 

 thirty-four. Of these, twenty-four had previously passed 

 the minor or preliminary examination ; six had formerly failed 

 to pass that examination, and now presented themselves for 

 examination, previous to going up for the practical and clinical. 

 The examinations which took place on the 15th, 16th, and 17th 

 April 1878, resulted in certificates being conferred on nineteen 

 gentlemen. 



Captain Tod of Howden presented the certificates and medals 

 to the successful students. Addressing the students, he said he 

 was glad on that occasion to be able to compliment them on their 

 quiet and gentlemanly conduct during the three days over which 

 the examinations lasted. He had also been exceedingly glad to 

 hear from the gentlemen who conducted the examinations that 

 the candidates had generally made a most excellent appearance, 

 and passed a most respectable examination. He hoped the suc- 

 cess which had attended them that day would follow them 

 through life as veterinary surgeons, and that they would maintain 

 the good name acquired that day. He was sorry to observe in 

 the Bill recently presented to the House of Lords by the Duke of 

 Eichmond and Gordon, as to cattle diseases, that veterinary 

 surgeons acting as inspectors must be members of the Eoyal 

 College of Veterinary Surgeons. He had taken the opportunity 

 of pointing this out to the chairman of the Edinburgh Local 

 Authority, and also of mentioning it at a meeting of the Directors 

 of the Society, in the hope that action would be taken to have 

 the wording of the Bill altered before it became law. If it was 

 not, any person holding only the certificate of the Highland 

 Society would be incapable of acting as an inspector under the 

 Bill. He had also observed that of late the " Veterinarian " had 

 repeatedly made very uncalled-for remarks in regard to the 

 Highland Society's examinations. He was quite sure that all 

 present were aware of the immense amount of good done for 

 veterinary science by the Highland Society ; indeed, he believed 

 it had done more to advance the science than any other body. 

 It was a great pity, after having carried on such a good work so 

 long that instead of receiving thanks, the Society should receive 

 the very reverse. In conclusion, he returned the warmest thanks 

 of the Society to the gentlemen who year after year came forward 

 to assist in these examinations. 



Professor Douglas Maclagan, on behalf of the Board of Ex- 

 aminers, acknowledged the vote of thanks. Erom present and 

 previous experience, he could say that while the examinations of 

 the Highland Society were carried on with a desire to protect the 



