UN THE CAUSES UF DISEASE. 
The Samaritans of our craft haves ‘ved we problems on which 
she fundamental! principles of physiology and pathology are 
founded ; they have, to a certain extent, dispelled the awful cloud 
of ignorance and empiricism which had reigned in the British 
Isles. They have succeeded in illuminating the dense and dark 
spets that have existed in horse and cattle practice since the ad- 
vent »f the ancient Egyptians, up to that period which introdnoed 
anew erainourart. They have done more than this: our crafts- 
men have often robbed death of some of its victims, and have 
succeeded in blunting the keen edge of many an epizodtic sword ; 
and thus they have succeeded in stealing a march on the grim 
monarch of epizodtic destiny. Their weapons were often such as 
were wielded by JENNER, the benefactor of our race. Our efforts 
may not always be successful, but as our veterinary fathers have 
accomplished much, we ought not to despair. 
The field of enterprise in the United States is composed cf vir- 
gin soil, and the “bridegroom of promise” hath not yet put on 
the complete mantle of fertility ; so that there is a splendid chance 
for the teachers and graduates of American schools to distinguish 
themselves and earn the laurel of fame. 
The husbandmen of this country have also suffered inimense 
losses by the death of valuable animals, and since the landing of 
the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, up to this very moment, death 
hath ren riot in the camping-ground of horses and cattle, and 
people have scarcely been informed of the “why or wherefore.” 
The legion host of “itinerant” practitioners which necessity and 
circumstances have created, remain remarkably silent and non- 
committal ; and probably this is the best course they can pursue, 
for, if “ignorance is bliss,” and that pays well, it would be de 
cidedly nnbusiness-like in them to assume wisdom which might 
aot pay. 
There never was a period in the history of this country when 
the services of educated veterinary surgeons were so much needed 
se at the present time. The live stock of “ Young America” do 
aut enjoy immunity from those pestiferous epizodtic maladies 
which have iu former years operated as a “ withering simoom” on 
British husbandry. For example, a dreadful malady known as 
dleuro-pneumonia has made sad havoc among live stock in Mas- 
sachusetts, and the terrible alarm there created in consequence, is 
keenly felt, not onlv in that State, but in many others. In some 
a 
