ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 499 
criminate admission of students materially retarded the pro- 
gress of the profession. It was mentioned that the London 
Veterinary College for the last five years, and the Glasgow 
Veterinary College for the last two years, had instituted a 
preliminary examination with the best results, and that the 
students were found to be better qualified to present them- 
selves before the Examining Boards. 
It has been considered that these preliminary examina- 
tions should be conducted by an independent body, such as 
the College of Preceptors, with whom the Governors of the 
Royal Veterinary College are now in communication, the 
same body being appointed to test the educational qualifica- 
tions of students entering the College of Surgeons in London. 
It has been thought that the High School of Edinburgh or 
the Society of Arts might undertake a similar duty in behalf 
of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Veterinary Colleges, provided 
that an arrangement identical in principle be made with the 
Principals of each College. 
The cause was ably advocated by Mr. Wilkinson, principal 
V.S. to the Army, as one of the Governors of the London 
Veterinary College. Mr. Wilkinson concluded by expressing a 
hope that the Trustees would take the widest view of the 
subject, and give their powerful support to the movement. 
Bailie Eife, in regretting the absence of the Lord Provost, 
said the Town Council felt much gratification in meeting a 
deputation composed of eminent members of the Veterinary 
profession from various parts of the United Kingdom, and 
amongst them those who had graduated at their own College, 
showing how deep and united was the feeling of the pro- 
fession on the subject. He was sure the principle upon which 
the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons had 
based its present action was a true one. He, therefore, pro- 
posed that the subject should be put into such form as would 
enable him to bring it officially before the Town Council. 
Statement left with Trustees. 
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, 
As already stated by Principal Williams, we are a deputa- 
tion from the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary 
Surgeons to confer with you on the subject of the general 
education of the Veterinary Student. 
We present ourselves under the very exceptional circum- 
stance of a body of men who ask leave to be allowed to im- 
prove their professional and social position. 
The Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons 
