THE VETERINARY SURGEON. 
32 1 
zealously fond of. I am sure that they may, with less capital and 
one-tenth of the application or study and anxiety, in half the time 
erect for themselves a superior structure of independence and care, 
by applying their means to other pursuits. 
I believe that the practice of a veterinarian will, in a very short 
time, be much worse than that of a labouring mechanic, except in 
some certain situations or cases. I know that, even now, with 
very many of its worthy members, it is only a bread and cheese 
concern, when weighed with the respectable appearances and lia- 
bilities which must be kept up, and which are essentially neces- 
sary in order to obtain a living at all. 
In this I make no allusion to any particular person ; but I state 
it, because I believe it to be the plain truth, and because I very 
much deplore it, and should be sincerely happy to see our brethren 
in the art in a far better condition, and which I am sure they justly 
deserve to be. 
I was in hope, when the Veterinary Medical Association was 
formed, that it would have a tendency to better our condition very 
much. I have waited long to see some symptoms to that effect, 
but am at last competed to find myself completely disappointed, 
both as to its object and its effect. I thought it was intended to 
concentrate or diffuse a reciprocal feeling, with all the practical 
knowledge it could obtain among its members only , and also every 
thing that would be for the general benefit of the profession : but 
now I find that its “ Transactions,” with what little instruction they 
may contain, are to be sold openly; thus giving grooms, druggists, 
and every dabbler in farriery, an opportunity of more effectually 
competing with the veterinary surgeon in every locality. 
I was astonished at seeing it come to this, and particularly to 
see this change promoted by gentlemen, who, a short time ago, 
considered these plain and open publications to be nothing less than 
“ professional suicide.” How this change can have come over the 
spirit of their dreams, I should have been at a loss to know without 
seeing it stated that the proceeds thereof did not sufficiently re- 
munerate its conductors : if this be the case, why not raise the price 
of it, so as to amply pay its expenses 1 Do this, and make it, 
what it ought to be, a reflection of real practice, and, 1 believe, there 
are very few members who would not gladly agree to it, rather 
than see themselves injured by the open method. If pounds, shil- 
lings, and pence, be its principal object (which I think is made now 
very clear), why not avow it at once 1 But I will leave this part of 
the subject, and allow others to think as they please, who are 
capable of doing the subject far more justice than my humble abili- 
ties will allow. 
Since the above was written, The Veterinarian for May 
