306 
ACCOUNT OF TI1E DINNER. 
We are met here to-day to celebrate the first fruits of the 
labour of your committee. It is for you to say how far the mea- 
sure meets with your approbation, and in your hands I am content 
to let it remain. 
The benefits which have been by this Charter conferred upon 
us, I conceive to be neither light nor unimportant. Who can 
tell, who can realize the effect that in a few years may be pro- 
duced by the exertions of a body of men now united together for 
the promotion and advancement of veterinary science. And, al- 
though there may be some that look on and smile at our exertions, 
and others who put their hands in their pockets and forget to take 
them out again, saying within themselves What good will the 
Charter do for me or for the profession, of this I am firmly con- 
vinced, that its obtainment was essentially necessary not only for 
the well-being, but even for the very existence of the veterinary 
profession. 
I sincerely trust that the Council you have this day elected, 
bearing in mind the great responsibility they have undertaken, 
will honestly and fearlessly carry on their labours in a manner 
that will conduce to the onward progress of veterinary science and 
the stability of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; and I 
hope that whatever plans they adopt, and whatever they suggest to 
promote so noble an object, they may ever receive that coun- 
tenance and support which you have shewn yourselves to be both 
able and willing to give. 
Forgive me, gentlemen, for having detained you thus long, and 
accept, once more, my best thanks for your kindness. 
Mr King said that he hoped he should be able to give a good 
account of his stewardship. There was one object to which he 
should call the attention of the meeting, for unless that was accom- 
plished they could not satisfactorily discharge their duty. A letter 
had appeared in The Veterinarian which told what that object 
was, and in what manner it was to be carried out. To enable them 
to accomplish their purpose, they must have certain funds. He 
felt himself bound to mention the subject. It was absolutely neces- 
sary that the money should he forthcoming, and they must strain 
every nerve to procure it. He trusted the meeting would think 
