680 
OUR JOURNAL. 
venience, but we are aware of some minute scales occasionally 
existing at the base of the seeds, which have been referred to 
floral envelopes, while the pales have been considered 
as bracts, but without entering into a discussion of the 
different morphological questions which arise in the study of 
grasses, we would prefer to discuss some of the more practical 
facts connected with the properties and their produce of the 
many species, both wild and cultivated, which form the corn 
and fodder crops of this country, the discussion of which we 
must reserve for our next paper. 
OUR JOURNAL: STRAY THOUGHTS ON OB- 
SERVERS AND OBSERVATIONS, CONTRI- 
BUTORS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. 
By “ An Observer.” 
It is be deplored that too many of our professional 
brethren neglect to make notes, even of the roughest and 
briefest character, of cases that are presented to their notice. 
We need a mass of information in matters of detail. With 
all our progress we are very much in the dark respecting the 
causes of many diseases, and we have to deplore the exist- 
ence of much apathy in those who have abundant opportunities 
to fill the void which exists in our literature. Our friends in 
active practice have it in their power to become useful agents 
in building up a scientific profession. The materials are 
entirely within their hands, but too many excuse themselves 
on the plea of want of time; others will not come before 
the public under a belief that it savours of the theoretical 
to be guilty of writing and recording thoughts and obser- 
vations. A brief record of details of observations made 
during the rise, progress, and decline of disease ought to be 
an integral part of the veterinary surgeon’s duty. 
We have heard individuals boast that they had never 
published anything. To “ rush into print ” was declared to 
be all very well for young men who desire notice, but beneath 
the attention of established authorities. As a scientific edu- 
cation becomes more strenuously insisted upon, we may hope 
for a better system of working, closer and keener observation, 
and a more sustained record of facts in our veterinary 
periodicals, which must always be just what the members of 
the profession choose to make them. We frequently hear 
