VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
663 
are making such rapid strides in the development of the 
arts and sciences, the emulation of the members of this, 
association has been awakened, so that this may be placed 
on an equality with other kindred institutions. It is gratify- 
ing to record that the utmost cordiality and good feeling have 
always prevailed during the meetings. But that which may 
be said to characterise the present session is its having 
attained its majority; this being the twenty-first year of its 
existence. That it may long continue to promote the objects 
for which it was formed, and to aid in the advancement of 
the profession, is, I am sure, the sincere wish of every mem- 
ber present. After this brief preface, I proceed to notice the 
number and nature of the contributions it has received, 
whether in the form of essays, cases, or morbid, and botanical 
specimens. 
The essays introduced have been more numerous than 
usual. The variety and importance of the subjects chosen 
by their respective authors were highly creditable to them. 
The debates they elicited have also been very interesting and 
instructive. 
The morbid or pathological specimens at different times 
laid on the table, have drawn forth opinions from the mem- 
bers relative to their nature and causes, which, although it 
cannot be said that they always led to definite and correct 
conclusions, must nevertheless have been productive of 
much good, since in themselves highly instructive, they in- 
culcated a desire to trace effects up to their causes. 
The sciences of chemistry and materia medica have been 
frequently and very beneficially adverted to during the 
various discussions. 
The attention of the members has also been from time to 
time directed to the great benefits arising from a knowledge 
of botany, by the introduction of various specimens of poi- 
sonous roots which are occasionally given to some of our 
domesticated animals, either by accident or design, and which 
are not unfrequently attended with serious results. It is 
confidently hoped that the study of this science will, ere 
long, form a part of the education of the veterinary student. 
The members held their first meeting for the session in 
the theatre of the college on the evening of October 21st, 
1856, when the following were elected as vice-presidents 
from among the students, viz. : Messrs. J. Carter, J. Ferris, 
C. Dayus, H. Flower, I. Wattam, and J. T. Lupton ; and, 
as acting secretary, Mr. W. C. Branford. 
The library has received several additions by donations 
and purchase, and the works have continued to be freely 
