VETERINARIAN. 
VOL. XLIY. 
No. 527. 
NOVEMBER, 1871. 
Fourth Series. 
No. 203. 
Communications and Cases. 
OPENING OF THE SESSION 1871-72 AT THE 
ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. INTRODUC- 
TORY ADDRESS BY DEPUTY - PROFESSOR 
PRITCHARD. 
Gentlemen, — It has often been said that a task well com- 
menced is half completed ; the truth of this became very 
palpable to me when I set about penning this address, for I 
felt that my principal difficulty was to know what to write 
about. After a little consideration, however, I determined 
to avoid abstruse subjects, as much as possible to steer 
clear of veterinary politics, and in lieu thereof to endeavour 
to give a short, plain, and practical lecture, conveying such 
advice as I trust may enable each one of you to glean some- 
thing that will assist you in overcoming those difficulties 
which may occur during your period of pupilage ; and indi- 
rectly, perhaps, remove some impediments besetting that 
track which will conduct you possibly to distinction, at least 
to usefulness. 
I am afraid there are some pupils who are inclined to treat 
lightly the inaugural meeting of the session — to look upon it 
as a matter of necessary formality, and to attend but care- 
lessly to the remarks of the lecturer. To do so, in my opinion, 
is to make a great mistake, to let slip a good opportunity ; 
rather than this, you should attach much importance to the 
opening address ; you should view it as the preface of a book, 
for, depend upon it, it is certain to contain some matter 
which, if properly appropriated by you, will afterwards do 
you good service. Let me ask you, then, to give your careful 
attention to what I have to advance, so that you may reap 
and experience that benefit which may accrue. 
