VETERINARY OBSTRETRICY. 
27 
before any one thought it necessary to study in London, at a vast 
expense, on purpose to gain a certificate or licence to practise their 
profession. Indeed, I know several, in the limited compass of 
my professional acquaintance, who are really and truly skilful, 
scientific men; men who, by a long-established, arduous, and 
zealous practice of their profession, have gained for themselves a 
reputation that will live longer than themselves. There is one 
now existing in my mind’s eye, who does not live far from me, 
and who has been in full practice about thirty years : he has more 
horse practice than any man in Lancashire, and which he performs 
with credit and honour to himself, and with full satisfaction to his 
employers; and I candidly ask you, Would you put such men as 
these down! Would you persuade the owners of stock not to 
employ such men as these 1 — men who are worthy of being cited 
as examples to their more fortunate brother practitioners who are 
in possession of certificates'! I say, it would not be fair or right 
to put, or try to put, such practitioners down ; but I humbly hope 
you will not mistake me or my motive in just simply trying to 
vindicate sterling worth. I do it not in vindication of quackery ; 
but I say, instead of advising our employers not to patronise 
or employ any practitioner but who is in possession of a di- 
ploma — I say, let farmers and others, before they employ any 
veterinarian, first inquire into the professional and moral cha- 
racter of individuals, and if their names and characters will bear 
strict scrutiny, let them be employed ; but if any pretender should 
offer his veterinary medical services, no matter how fine a tongue 
he may have, if his practical, professional, and moral character 
will not bear the strictest examination, I should brand him as 
“ a rogue and a vagabond.” I allow, that truly worthy uncer- 
tificated practitioners are very rare ; but I know there are some 
few; and I again say, it would not be just or right to endeavour 
to injure them by prohibiting them from practising their profession, 
so long as they act uprightly , and practise as honest and skilful 
veterinarians. 
Hoping you will find a place for these few imperfect observa- 
tions, and begging pardon for trespassing so far on your space, 
allow me to remain, &c. 
Irlams, Oth Light, Pendleton, near Manchester, 
12 Nov. 1845. 
