278 TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR SIMONDS. 
as a somewhat old member of the profession, that you as 
students must give an equal degree of thought and earnest- 
ness to this as to the other branches of your study. And 
especially would I remark that proper attention must be 
given by you to the principles of chemistry, for few persons 
can but have noticed that the high state of cultivation that 
our fields and pastures have lately been brought into by the 
use of artificial manures tends to the production of disease 
among cattle and sheep, in particular; and the veterinary 
surgeon often finds that it is where this high farming is 
carried on that the greatest number of his cases occurs, and 
those too of the most interesting kind; here, then, you will 
have to bring your chemical knowledge to bear in the pre- 
vention of these diseases. As yet but little is known as to 
the effects produced by the too free employment of artificial 
manures on the health of animals and of plants. 
“ You have asked me, gentlemen, to accept this service of 
plate in testimony of your respect, and this I do, as freely as 
it is offered. I accept it as a stimulus to future exertion. I 
accept it as a memento of your kind feelings towards me, 
and I accept it as an heirloom for one who is to follow me ; 
who, as often as his eyes rest upon this token of your 
esteem, will see that his father’s exertions were appreciated 
by those among whom his lot in life was cast ; and I hope 
he, too, will be stimulated by it to do his duty in whatever 
position a kind Providence may be pleased to place him. I 
therefore value this testimonial above any intrinsic worth it 
may possess, for beyond ordinary energy and exertion, I have 
but few claims upon your thanks, and still fewer upon your 
kindness and respect, yet is it pleasant to my feelings to be 
thus made the recipient of both. 
Gentlemen, the time is now approaching when you will 
have to pass an ordeal which is the commencement of your 
public life, and most sincerely do I wish you success ; and 
not only then, but also afterwards. It always gives us plea- 
sure and satisfaction to know it — for I am sure I am expressing 
the feelings of my colleagues in this assertion — that you have 
rightly employed the knowledge which we have endeavoured 
to impart to you ; and fervently do I hope that you may even 
be held in such estimation by your employers, as that you 
some day will receive from them a similar testimonial to this 
which I have now the honour to receive from you.” 
The company then adjourned, by invitation, to the board- 
room of the College, where refreshments were provided. 
Sundry toasts and healths were drunk, and the remainder of 
the evening was passed in the like pleasant and agreeable 
manner as that with which it commenced. 
