649 
PRESENTATION OF PLATE TO PRINCIPAL 
WILLIAMS, VETERINARY COLLEGE, EDIN- 
BURGH. 
The students of the above institution presented the Principal, 
before returning to their homes at the close of the session, with a 
testimonial, consisting of an elegant silver epergne and two dessert 
dishes. 
Lord Provost Law presided, and was supported by Bailie Fyfe, 
Bailie Skinner, and others. 
The Chairman said that, as one of the trustees of the College, he 
had great pleasure in being present on such a harmonious and 
auspicious occasion. He took great interest in the institution, and 
it was one of the best proofs of its usefulness to the country when 
the students thus publicly acknowledged their appreciation of the 
benefit they derived from their principal’s services. 
Mr. Dorber, in making the presentation, said: 
My Loud Provost and Gentlemen, — We are met to-day in this 
the theatre of the Edinburgh Veterinary College, surrounded, as it 
were, by the halo of its immortal founder, to present to his repre- 
sentative and successor, as principal veterinary surgeon for Scotland, 
a testimonial expressive of our gratitude to and our esteem for him as 
our teacher and the principal of this institution. In doing so allow 
me to premise that I could have wished the task assigned me had 
devolved on some one more fit to perform it ; but since it has been 
ordered otherwise, I shall not shrink from attempting the duty, 
feeling assured that, should I fail in thoroughly echoing your 
sentiments, you will kindly accept the will for the deed. 
Although the present may be considered the age par excellence of 
public testimonials, and unlimited license of speech in sounding the 
praises of fortunate recipients, still I cannot, nor will I, therefore, 
indulge in fulsome adulation, feeling assured it would be as offensive 
to our principal as to you. Indeed, I am, as the mouthpiece of my 
fellow-students, or as the exponent of their feelings, to speak the 
truth with all the candour and sincerity that man can do. The 
object of this meeting must excite in all of us feelings of the greatest 
pleasure, since its object is to express our gratitude, respect, and 
esteem for Professor Williams, who, as our teacher, has since his 
appointment some three years ago earned for himself a high charac- 
ter, both as a teacher and practitioner of veterinary science. 
There is no one, I believe, in Great Britain who could have 
laboured more honestly, successfully, and courteously for the benefit 
of his students than our principal. 
His task has not been an easy one. Strongly must he have found 
the truth of the old adage — 
“ Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” 
