I I MY horse; MY LOVE. 



course of hard study that a student receives his 

 diploma." 



And in Europe a diploma is really a necessary 

 equipment? 



" Certainly, it is there, as here in classical colleges, 

 the proof and reward of close and serious study. 

 There are seven primary classes which prepare the 

 student for practical work, which is at first dis- 

 heartening, for with all his book knowledge he seems 

 to have nothing to start with. An animal cannot tell 

 his ailments, or where the pain is, and the doctor 

 must find out for himself. Now, if the student can 

 pass an examination he may be assigned to a place in 

 the imperial studs ; but at every advancement on the 

 military staff, he must pass a new examination, until 

 at the end of five years, he becomes a graduate with 

 the title of veterinary surgeon and animal doctor." 



Is it possible the course includes five years of 

 hard study? 



" No less is sufficient. In nearly all European 

 countries the animal doctor advances through mili- 

 tary service, aided by the close and practical observa- 

 tion of and association with his own horses; attend- 

 ing personally to their needs, even to the blacking 

 of their hoofs, albeit his servant may blacken his 

 Hoots. The course includes all that medical science 

 teaches whether of biped or quadruped, with feathers 

 or without. He must be practical in everything, 

 even to the forging and fitting of his horses' shoes, 

 a most important thing to know." 



Are there many such colleges in Europe, and 

 which is considered the best?" 



