512 NORTH OF ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
do think our associations should be used less exclusively for this 
purpose, and that arrangements should be made for holding meet- 
ings at any time occasion may require, instead of at stated periods 
as at present. 
Another subject to which I would wish to direct your attention is 
the establishment of a weekly paper — not instead of the Veterinarian , 
but supplementary to it. This is a desideratum which is becoming 
more and more felt every year, and it seems most astonishing how a 
large body of men engaged in a scientific calling can get on without 
it. Why, almost every trade has a paper especially devoted to its 
interests, and though the Veterinarian , as a journal, is unexception- 
able, a month is much too long to wait for important information in 
these telegraphic days. I am aware attempts in this direction have 
hitherto failed, but that is no reason why they should not be re- 
peated, and if no better arrangement can be made, surely there is 
nothing to hinder the Veterinarian being issued in weeldy parts, 
though, of course, an independent paper would be more satisfactory, 
as it would allow of the continuation of the V eterinarian in its 
present form. 
The subject of veterinary education has of late years received 
much attention, and great and gratifying progress has been made. 
Both preliminary and practical examinations may now be considered 
firmly established, and their value and importance can scarcely be 
over estimated. The usual period of study at college, however, might 
with great propriety be lengthened, as it is too short for any student, 
whatever his abilities may be, to become thoroughly proficient in so 
many different branches : the subjects of histology and botany should 
also receive much more attention than has hitherto been devoted 
to them. I hope our governing body will see the necessity of doing 
something in this direction, and that the different teaching schools 
will cordially co-operate with them in attaining so desirable an end. 
The independent attitude assumed by the London Veterinary College 
towards the Koval College of Veterinary Surgeons on matters relat- 
ing to the preliminary and practical examinations is much to be 
regretted, as it forms a dangerous precedent, and is quite contrary 
to the charter which gives the Royal College full power and control 
over the different teaching schools in such matters. I trust, how- 
ever, we will see no more of this, and as the Council only seek to 
advance the true interests of the profession, it is evident that no 
measure for attaining this end can be detrimental to the interests of 
any of the teaching schools. 
Before concluding, gentlemen, allow me sincerely to thank you 
for the great honour you have done me in electing me your President. 
I cannot promise to discharge the duties in the admirable manner 
which you have been accustomed to see done by my predecessors ; 
but I will do the best I can to further the interests of this Associa- 
tion during the few remaining months I shall be in office. I can 
rely on our worthy Secretary ably seconding me in this, and if the 
members will only co-operate with us, we will make up for the bad 
beginning for which your President, and he only, is to blame. 
