INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
641 
vancement of our art. Many of these prizes have been con- 
tended for by veterinary surgeons, and not a few have found 
their way into their coffers ; thus both increasing their wealth 
and their reputation. In such things as these, is a complete 
answer to those whose jaundiced eye has warped their better 
judgment, and who have said that all the society aims at 
is to make every farmer his own cattle-doctor.” Connected 
as I am with the society, I w T ould rather put before you the 
opinions of my colleagues than my own on a subject of this 
kind. Professor Spooner, in his introductory lecture de- 
livered at the commencement of last session, feeling the neces- 
sity of answering such an accusation, said “ It is a satisfaction 
to me to be enabled to announce to you that the Royal Agri- 
cultural Society of England affords us the same hearty support 
as in previous years. It recognises the value of this institu- 
tion, and the oneness of the object between it and the college. 
In proof of this, we receive from it an annual grant of £200, to 
be expended in lectures and demonstrations, having for their 
object the advancement of veterinary science. I hope we 
may long continue to deserve the support of this important 
body; for assuredly the best interests of agriculture are 
bound up w r ith the interests of our profession. The breeding 
and rearing of stock of all descriptions ; the importation of 
sheep and cattle, which is increasing enormously, as our 
population and means of transport increase, are matters not 
alien to the daily calling of the veterinary surgeon. Nor can 
his education or opinion on such subjects be regarded other- 
wise than with deep interest by the enlightened agriculturist. 
I regard our connection with this body as a happy alliance of 
powers, and as a means which promises to be of essential ser- 
vice to agriculture; while, at the same time, it immensely 
extends the usefulness and the field of veterinary science.” 
Here then, gentlemen, I may safely leave this question. We 
have seen that the Royal Agricultural Society, in veterinary, 
as in all other matters legitimately coming within its sphere, 
acts truthfully to its motto, “ Practice w ith science.” 
There is also another institution with which we are inti- 
mately connected, and which it behoves me to say a word upon 
— the RoyalCollege of Veterinary Surgeons. We are honoured 
this day by the presence of the President, Secretary, and 
several of the members of the Council of that body ; and I am 
sure that while you feel with me, that they thereby give us 
an assurance of their identity with the interests of our Alma 
Mater, you will join me in thanking them for being here 
on this occasion. It is not my intention to enter on the 
debateable subject of veterinary politics, or press forward the 
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