ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 489 
We have not followed the author in the calculation of the 
quantity of the different elements in the different kind of 
forages to replace one kilogramme of hay, nor in the calcula- 
tion of the plastic and respiratory principles in each of the 
kinds of grain and forage, compared with their market price. 
There is enough in these extracts to show that the good 
qualities of the alimentary substances does not so much depend 
on the amount of nitrogenous flesh-forming, or plastic prin- 
ciple, which, when in excess to the requirement of the 
organism, may tend to injuriously modify the blood, while 
on the contrary, an excess of the respiratory and thermogen 
principles is converted into fat, contained in proper cells. 
An exact knowledge of the analysis of the different alimentary 
substances is of great importance, not only to the proprietors 
of working horses, but also to the breeders and stock owners, 
as thereby much food might not only be economised by a 
judicious application in accordance with its composition. We 
need hardly repeat that the albuminoids are the flesh-forming 
elements, the saccharoids and fatty matter supply the respira- 
tion and caloric, the phosphoric acid and the other mineral 
salts are to supply the bones, the brain and nerves, while the 
ligneous and cellulary substances, with the water pro- 
bably only act as what the French call (cest) “ id est ballast,” 
or better, as non-nutritive substance, but necessary to distend 
the organs of digestion. 
With these remarks we reluctantly take leave of a most 
interesting and useful work, on which we cordially congratu- 
late the learned author. 
ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
REPORT OE THE PROCEEDINGS AT A SPECIAL MEETING 
OE THE COUNCIL, APRIL 25th, 1870. 
The President in the Chair. 
Members Present : — The President, Professor Spooner, Pro- 
fessor Gamgee, Assist.-Professor Pritchard, Mr. Fleming, 
Mr. Harpley, Mr. Moon, Mr. J. C. Broad, Mr. Wilkinson, 
Mr. Gowing, Mr. Hunt, Mr. Field, Mr. Pritchard, and 
the Secretary. 
The minutes of the last meeting were read. 
Mr. Wilkinson said the names of the late members of the 
profession included in the obituary notice read at the last 
Council meeting should have appeared on the minutes. 
