CATTLE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION. 
13 
is the person competent to give an answer to the question), Did 
these animals, or did they not, die in consequence of bad treatment] 
Of course, their answer would be in the affirmative; if so, then how 
does the veterinarian stand between the Association and the as- 
sured ] If the former honestl} T does his duty, of course they ought 
not to have been paid for ; which they were. On the other hand, it 
may be said, as the ‘Association will not interfere with the treat- 
ment of the usual farrier,’ that they ought to be paid for ; and so 
I think, according to the last rule. If such, therefore, is to be the 
case, that every person can either doctor his own stock or employ 
any drunken, ignorant, assuming vagabond, then, I think, if we 
are faithful to ourselves and our profession, we ought immediately 
to resign. 
“ I am perfectly aware that the Association wishes to steer clear 
of giving offence to the farmers in not prohibiting them from em- 
ploying their old accustomed practical and experienced farrier : 
yes, and so would I ; but I do most solemnly protest against the 
sanctioning every ignorant farrier or blacksmith. It appears to me 
that, if the managers were true to the interests of the society, they 
ought to suffer those only to attend to stock that are competent to do 
so, and to put a stop to farriers and ignorant blacksmiths attending 
on them. I am confident that there is more stock lost in my parish 
in consequence of the quackery of the owners, the employing of 
ignorant farriers, and the kind interference of knowing ones, than 
would pay the whole amount of their poor-rates. 
“ Some time ago I was called on by our Inspector to see a cow 
that had acute inflammation of the udder, and which had been at- 
tended to by as ignorant an ass of a blacksmith as the earth ever 
carried. When I went over I found she had died a short time be- 
fore. On inquiring about the case, I found that the cow had been 
ill several days, and that she had not been even as much as bled. 
He was urged to do it; but he observed, that if he did so it would 
be immediate death. 
“ I urged, conscientiously, to the Association, that the insured 
should not be paid for her ; but was over-ruled by Mr. Shaw and 
the inferior officers.” 
We are at all times most happy to render honour where honour 
is due ; and without wishing to criticise the exordium or deduction 
of Mr. Tombs, I beg, with your permission, to put that gentleman 
right on a matter of fact. This I can do without fear of contradic- 
tion : litera scri.pta manet. Among the instructions given to the 
agents and inspectors of the Association are the following direc- 
tions : — 
“ The Veterinary Surgeon . — The object of the Association in 
appointing veterinary surgeons is not for the purpose of giving 
medical advice in cases of illness, but to decide the propriety of 
