Veterinary Surgeons, 



fWENTY-FIVE years ago, there were but very few veterinary surgeons 

 in the country, and these were located exclusively in the larger cities ; and 

 there were no veterinary schools for their instruction. During recent 

 years, the better informed classes of the community have become so awakened 

 to the importance of treating the diseases of domestic animals intelligently, 

 in accordance with scientific principles, that there have been established 



quite a number of well-conducted veterinary colleges in this country and 





 Canada ; and in consequence there are now to be found, in most of the larger 



towns in all the States, intelligent, well-trained, and competent 



men, who have graduated from such colleges. 



Now, I am in a position to know that the training in these schools is de- 

 signed to be very thorough, and that those at their head are well qualified 

 for their positions i and a certificate of graduation from any of these 

 colleges should be sufficient to give entire confidence in the competency of 

 the person holding it, and entitle him to the encouragement of stock owners. 

 It cannot be denied that veterinary surgeons trained in this way are, as a 

 class, among the most useful and hard-working men in any of the prof es- 

 sions,and should be respected and encouraged accordingly. 



S> if V u have a horse or other animal that has been injured or become 

 sick, especially if a valuable animal, it is by all means advisable to call in 

 a veterinary surgeon, provided there be one within reach; and this 

 should be done at once, without the hazard of delay. No matter how plain 

 the instructions given in this book may seem, the safest and wisest course 

 will be to employ such a man, if available. Even though a man is not 

 a regular graduate, if he has the reputation of being successful in practice, it 

 will be best to employ him. 



In this, as in other professions, there are men who have such natural 

 ability as to become very successful in practice. If I had a horse taken 

 sick, even though I knew just what to do, I should be induced to call in the 

 aid of a veterinary surgeon, if there was one obtainable. So do not give 

 the cold shoulder to the veterinary who may come with proper qual- 

 ifications to locate in your neighborhood, but extend to him the encouragement 

 of your early and cordial support. 



(vi) 



