164 
THE VETERINARIAN, MARCH 1, 1856. 
Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. 
Cicero. 
ON THE APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM. 
We have been asked to give our opinion on the appren- 
ticeship system ; but we hesitate somewhat to comply with 
the request, from a fear, almost amounting to a conviction, 
that to some persons we shall give offence. 
Without any hesitation, however, we assert that it is fraught 
with much good or ill, depending upon the manner in which 
it is carried out. When a conscientious discharge of his 
duties is determined on by the preceptor, and systema- 
tically performed by him, the pupil being docile and 
desirous of availing himself of the advantages presented to 
him, we then believe that a very great amount of good is the 
result : and this, too, is to be obtained without the teacher at 
all stooping from his position ; since we w r ould not have him 
forget the relation in which he stands. Respect for 
himself begets a corresponding feeling in those placed 
immediately under his care, while urbanity of manners, 
united to a firm conviction of the correctness of the state- 
ments made by him, will always favorably impress the mind 
of the learner, and ensure confidence. 
Nor is it necessary that alone orally he should convey to his 
pupil instruction. Many otheraidshemay avail himself of, such, 
for instance, as direction to the best authors to be consulted 
on any subject under consideration, or for any extraordinary 
case that may have presented itself. The differences of opinion 
entertained among writers will often open up a wide field 
for inquiry and of thought, and tend to strengthen the mind 
of the learner, by inculcating a love of reasoning and re- 
search. It may be that the pupil, at first, will be surprised 
that these differences should exist; but on expressing his 
feelings to his employer, they may perhaps be satisfactorily 
explained by a reference to some facts which the student has 
