304 SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION. 
Privy Council all cases of foot-and-mouth disease from reports 
handed to them by the police, without having visited the animals. 
Now, gentlemen, I am of opinion that in thus acting they are evad- 
ing the law. Last summer the authorities removed the restrictions 
altogether in reference to foot-and-mouth disease, and this led to the 
extension of the disease to stock in the adjacent county of Lin- 
lithgow, by parties purchasing calves out of places that were suffer- 
ing from the disease. You will thus see the great necessity there 
is for the Act being strictly adhered to in all counties alike, so that 
it may accomplish the end in view. 
A new style of horse-shoeing has been brought up and discussed 
at meetings of the Highland Society and elsewhere. “ The Char- 
lier” system is said to possess the advantage of preventing con- 
traction and all the other evils of which the present system is the 
cause. One or two other sorts of shoes have been patented, and 
some of them, I fear, have not come up to the expectation of their 
inventors. I am of opinion that the present method, if properly 
worked out, is better than any of those which have been brought 
before the public lately. 
In concluding, Gentlemen, as I stated in the outset, signs of new 
life are discernible in the profession, but there is still much to do. 
An early and a better education is evidently the grand spring to 
touch to cause the machinery to move with greater speed, and to 
make progress more visible. And to attain the great object in view, 
both the teachers of our schools and our associations must work 
together in harmony. Let all the schools have similar regulations 
and laws by mutual consent. Acting in this way great things may 
be done. 
The members then adjourned to dinner, which was served by Mrs. 
Cumming ; Mr. Borthwick, President of the Society, in the chair, 
Professor Williams acting as croupier. After spending a most 
agreeable evening, the members separated highly satisfied with the 
day’s proceedings. 
Mr. Aitkin, Dalkeith, will introduce a paper at next meeting. 
James Mitchell, 
Secretary. 
