THE HIGHLAND AND AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETY. 149 



who collected this season in nnusually large numbers from all 

 parts of the kingdom. Twenty gentlemen presented themselves 

 for examination. They were reqnired, in the first place, to 

 examine and report upon the soundness of horses — a useful 

 practical ordeal which was instituted this season for the first 

 time. The certificate was awarded to fourteen students. 



On the conclusion of the proceedings, the Chairman, on the 

 part of the Highland Society, expressed regret at the absence, 

 from bad health, of Professor Goodsir, the Convener of the 

 Veterinary Committee, He then alluded to the obligations of 

 the Society to the professional gentlemen who had given assist- 

 ance in the examinations, thus raising the standard of education 

 at the College, and giving encouragement to the instructors in 

 their labours. The Chairman then expressed to Professor Dick 

 and his able assistants the gratification which had been given by 

 the continued progress of the College, and by the success which 

 attends veterinary surgeons from his establishment who have 

 settled in the difierent districts in Scotland — science thus 

 making way against prejudices. The examination of horses as 

 to soundness was a feature which was prominently brought 

 forward this season. The Chairman, .in conclusion, strongly 

 recommended the farmers of this country to avail themselves of 

 the facilities which were now afforded by means of this College 

 for securino- the G;reat advantages of a scientific treatment of the 

 diseases of stock — a department of rural ecouomy with which 

 the success of farming was so intimately connected. 



Thirty-third Session, 1855-56. 



At the examinations for this session, which took place on the 

 22d and 23d April 1856, Captain Falconar, on taking the chair 

 on the part of the Highland Society, expressed the sincere regret 

 with which he and every gentleman connected with the College 

 felt at the severe loss which they had sustained in the death of 

 their lamented friend Mr Barlow, who had gained the esteem of 

 all by his kindness of heart and his earnest devotion to the 

 cause of veterinary science. Captain Falconar also remarked on 

 the blank which had occurred amongst the examiners who, at this 

 season, give their attendance from distant quarters, in the death 

 of Mr Edward Dycer, V.S., Dublin, also prematurely cut off in 

 the middle of a career of much usefulness, who had for many 

 years attended to give his assistance to this College, of which he 

 was a distinguished alumnus. Twenty-six gentlemen presented 

 themselves for examination, and certificates were awarded to 

 twenty-one. 



Professor Goodsir, at the close of the examinations, delivered 

 the following address : — " In occupying this chair, after an 



