THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
75 
and between the knacker’s yard and the slaughter-place of the 
Royal Veterinary College the acutest vision could perceive no 
moral distinction. Where are the authorities'? 
Indignant and disgusted, I resolved to see no more, but at once 
to quit the place; and in doing so had an opportunity of surveying 
the ground which is especially appropriated to the examination of 
horses. It is of good dimensions, nearly square, but rather longer 
than broad, and is on three sides enclosed by the stables, museum, 
&c., the other being occupied by a covered ride for exercising the 
patients under during wet weather. The middle space is laid out 
as a grass-plot, in the centre of which, on a conical mound, is a 
pretty ornamental cluster of shrubs, which, as they face the general 
entrance, must, in the summer season, render approach to that part 
of the premises, where all visitors are received and the greater 
part of the business of the establishment transacted, picturesque 
and inviting. I should say this was the most commodious and 
best conceived part of the whole design ; but, nevertheless, even 
this is open to serious objection. Between the angles of the grass- 
plot and the walls of the buildings is a road, partly paved, partly 
gravelled, used as the “ run,” along which the horses are led when 
there is a desire to test the soundness. This “ run” consequently 
presents two right angles, and it is separated from the grass-plot 
by a row of stout posts, from which hang connecting chains. Had 
the corners been rounded off, the sharp turns and sudden checks 
which must now frequently irritate the animal it should be desirable 
to keep composed, would have been avoided. The chains and 
posts, that are but poor ornaments, and cannot be required for any 
useful purpose, being I believe of use only as affording amuse- 
ment to the students, who employ their enforced idleness by leap- 
ing over them, present a more obvious and less pardonable error ; 
for, if an animal should frisk about, the heels of a valuable horse 
might suffer lasting injury. Accidents of this description, 1 am 
informed, have occurred ; and why, after the proof of their danger- 
ous existence has been given, these things are permitted to re- 
main, can only be accounted for by viewing them in connexion 
with the neglect and apathy which pervades every feature of the 
Institution. 
Having reached the archway, and thanked the person to whose 
attention I had been beholden, I hastily recalled what I had seen, 
and glanced at what must be the nature of my report. It could 
not be concealed that I had looked upon much which honesty 
would compel me unequivocally to condemn, and that I had seen 
but very little upon which could be bestowed even a qualified 
commendation. I paused : I desired to view something which 
might mitigate the censure it would be my duty to pass on the 
