S88 EXEMPTION FROM PAROCHIAL OFFICES. 
Moreover, Mr. Mayhew appears to think himself aggrieved 
by my attempting to controvert his views. He must surely 
be aware, however, that all published opinions are amenable 
to criticism and discussion, and that such criticism and dis- 
cussion are w T orthy of encouragement as tending to the 
elucidation of truth. 
Lastly, Mr. Mayhew hints, that the articles by Mr. Smith 
and myself are both written by one person. This insinuation 
I need only meet with an unqualified denial. 
With many apologies for thus trespassing upon your valu- 
able space, 
I am, Sir, 
Your most obedient servant, 
Robert Dun. 
Edinburgh Veterinary College ; 
June 14th, 1854. 
BILL OF EXEMPTIONS. 
To the Editor of the i Veterinarian? 
Sir, — Seeing in this month s Veterinarian that the Bill of 
Exemptions is not likely to be obtained, I thought an account 
of the way in which I obtained my exemption from parochial 
offices and serving on juries, might suggest, to some of the 
profession, the propriety of trying similar applications. 
About fourteen years ago, before policemen were fashion- 
able in this neighbourhood, I was appointed constable, and 
had to appear before a bench of magistrates, to be sworn in : 
when I appealed against my appointment. 
Addressing myself to one of the magistrates (who, I had 
heard, had been a cavalry officer, and thinking him more likely 
to know something about the diseases of horses than some of 
the others), I said. Sir ! suppose you had a valuable horse 
attacked with an inflammation of the bowels, which is a disease 
that, if neglected or improperly treated, generally very soon 
proves fatal ; and supposing myself the only veterinary 
surgeon within a reasonable distance, and you wished me to 
attend your horse, I, being constable, from having a prisoner 
in custody, and not being able to leave him until safely 
deposited in prison, which is nine miles from me : now r , 
before I get back, perhaps your horse may be dead ! 
He immediately told the other magistrates, he thought me a 
very improper person to be appointed constable, and also that my 
