EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
87 
wlio are, notwithstanding, incapable of performing the most 
common duties which practice entails in a proper manner. 
At present the examiners have no means of ascertaining 
whether a candidate understands the ordinary work of his 
profession or not, and it is only fair that an oppor- 
tunity should be afforded them to test, as far as possible, 
the extent of his practical acquirements, as well as the 
amount of his scientific knowledge. Horses, cattle, and 
sheep are plentiful enough in London, and if the authorities 
at the Royal Veterinary College do not see fit to grant the 
use of the College for the purpose of the examination, there 
is the Metropolitan Market with its extensive lairs and 
stables, and there are also the largest horse slaughterers' 
establishments in the country, all within a few yards of 
each other ; healthy and diseased subjects abound, and there 
is no probability that the supply will ever be exhausted. 
So far from apprehending failure we anticipate development. 
Not being at all radical in our tendencies, we are yet 
advocates for wise reform, and we see nothing in the con- 
templated measure which might not have been adopted long 
ago with benefit to the profession. The final examination 
must be made a real test of the candidates' efficiency ; and 
it is chiefly by using the full power which it possesses in 
regard to the arrangement of the examinations that the 
Council can benefit the profession, and bring about an im- 
proved system of education. 
Just now they have introduced a change which will be 
followed by a rearrangement of the whole system of the 
final examination. What we want in regard to it is not 
merely reform, but reconstruction. 
Meanwhile, intending candidates for the diploma will do 
well to remember that the discussions which are still going 
on respecting the manner and place of the practical exami- 
nation do not relate to the fact of the examination having been 
determined upon ; their part is to prepare for the event, — 
no hardship, we imagine, as the examiners will not ask them 
to do more than they will be required to do the very moment 
they commence the practice of their profession. 
