CATTLE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION. 
15 
Our aim, from the first, has been to uphold and support the vete- 
rinary profession, and to induce the employment of properly edu- 
cated men, and to do away with the “ services” of “ ignorant black- 
smiths and the kind services of knowing ones.” But to do this 
much delicacy is required; prejudices have to be overcome, and a 
conviction to be established in the minds of owners of cattle that 
their old ways of procedure can be amended. Ought it to be 
done hastily and harshly ? Can you say to the farmers who em- 
ploy, as Mr. Cartwright admits they generally do, “ their old and 
experienced farrier,” you shall engage the veterinary surgeon of 
the office or you shall not be paid in case of loss 1 Would any man 
of spirit admit of such rude dictation, especially when it remained 
to be proved that its interference would be beneficial 1 It is only 
by calmly pointing out the rocks and shoals they have run against 
and foundered upon, and the lights they have neglected to observe, 
that a better state of things can be hoped for. Men will not endure 
threats; and it is only by patience and experience that they can 
be brought to see the errors of the past. Our duty is to appoint 
the best qualified veterinary surgeon we can find to every agency, 
and to urge that he has the confidence of the office ; and to ask 
the insured to employ him in place of men who have not been so 
fortunate as to have had his education, his experience, his know- 
ledge. This we do. Can we, ought we, to do more ! 
But I do not think that Mr. Cartwright is sincere in his recom- 
mendation to his brethren to withdraw their valuable and valued 
assistance from us. Mr. Cartwright holds the appointment of con- 
sulting veterinary surgeon to this Association for Whitchurch and 
Malpas, and likewise the agency and surgeonship of another Cattle 
Insurance Company, which he highly extols. I know not whether 
he sings : I should think not, or he might remember an old song, 
which says, 
“ It is good to be merry and wise ; it is good to be honest and true : 
It is good to be off with the old love before you are on with the new.” 
At all events, he does not agree with the Beggars’ Opera — 
“ How happy could I be with either, were t’other dear charmer away !” 
I have the honour to remain, 
Yours, &c., 
Henry Flower, 
Secretary to The Farmers’ and Graziers’ Mutual 
Cattle Insurance Association. 
P. S. — I inclose the printed instructions, that you may verify the 
extracts I have made. 
Strand, Dec. 2, 1845 
