SCOTTISH METROPOLITAN VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 169 
On examinations for soundness I will not enter, simply remarking 
that far too little time is generally allowed us for them. Some 
people would have us find out all the disorders that horseflesh is 
heir to in the short space of half an hour or so. We should insist 
on having more — in fact, our own — time. 
We have thus gone over some of the principal objects of our 
practice. Our general success is pleasing and encouraging ; our 
difficulties and failures urge us to use every means in our power to 
improve ourselves, and advance our profession. It may be well, in 
closing, to ask. Are we doing so ? Many a one on beginning prac- 
tice finds himself not too well qualified for the task; but he studies 
his cases well, makes frequent post-mortem examinations, and tries 
in every way to improve. By and by his business increases. He 
has less time for study. Thanks to the excellent habits he has formed, 
he makes few mistakes. He gains confidence in himself — he can 
practise as well, if not better, than his neighbours. Then too often 
he makes but little further progress. Post-mortem examinations 
seem but dirty work, and as for writing out and publishing cases, 
what is the use of it? From the works and experience of others he 
has derived much benefit, yet all the knowledge he has gained he 
keeps to himself. A few well-written cases in the Veterinarian , 
a few disjointed notes at home, are all that remain of many a clever 
man, many an ornament to his profession. This state of matters 
may and does to a great extent exist from want of thought, and the 
want of proper media through which to communicate with the pro- 
fession at large. Yet evidently many of us want something to rouse 
us up, push us forward, and make us keep pace with the tide of 
improvement around us: This something I have always thought 
we would find in our veterinary medical associations. When well 
conducted we know we have no better means for further improve- 
ment. At them we may make known our success and expe- 
rience with pleasure and benefit to others, and to them we may 
bring our difficulties and failures, and receive assistance and en- 
couragement. When a man knows that every now and then he has 
to write an essay and take part in discussions he has to bestir 
himself. It pulls him up, and makes him ask on what subjects is 
he best informed. What new light can he throw on them? and 
possibly, by showing him his shortcomings, may lead him to renew 
his student habits, greatly to his own benefit and that of his prac- 
tice. Were it only for instruction, I think we should support such 
associations as our own. I have little sympathy with those who stand 
aloof from them. It seems to indicate the possession of an amount 
of indifference, self-assurance, and distrust of others, neither manly 
nor creditable. It appears as if some were possessed of valuable 
secrets, which others must not share — their practice would suffer. I 
verily believe that were we to disclose all our secrets (if we have any) 
to each other, we would be surprised to find how little the majority 
of us know more than our neighbours. And though greatly bene- 
fited mentally by the interchange, our practice in a £ s. d. way 
would be but little affected. Individual traits of character, good or 
