VETERINARY JURISPRUDENCE. 
101 
Would not such a course be scouted as the grossest impropriety ] 
Yet, such was the course followed throughout this trial, and, in- 
deed, is but too generally followed in what are called “ horse 
causes .” This, bad enough from the bar, was, in the present in- 
stance, made worse by the palpable manner in which the Judge, 
in the summing up, laid great stress upon the evidence of such 
men; and it was only by the more correct view which the Jury 
took of the real merits of the case which prevented the establish- 
ment of a precedent of the utmost importance to all those who may 
have shoeing establishments ; for, let it but once appear that the 
shoeing of a horse may be made a pretext for an attempt to gain a 
sum in the form of damages — or what is more likely to occur, and 
which did occur in an instance but a short time since, of extorting 
a sum in the shape of compromise — and there will arise plenty of 
attornies ready to undertake such causes for the sake of the costs, 
however unclean they may be, and plenty of sharpers ready to try 
the game in the form of intimidation : for, how few men are there 
who have inclination, even if they have the means, of standing 
litigation, which must assuredly, in the event of a successful defence, 
entail very serious loss, not only of money, but of still more 
valuable time ; to say nothing of the injury it would do to the 
individual’s business generally by the slur thus cast upon his 
capability. 
Whatever may be the cause which has produced this feeling 
against the scientific acquirements and respectability of the veteri- 
nary surgeon, its truth as affecting the body generally is but too 
often shewn, and it seems as if a fatality was hanging over the 
veterinary art; for no sooner has a step been gained towards 
placing it in a better position, than a series of discords spring up, 
marring any good previously gained. The dissensions which have 
of late been so rife can only have a tendency towards its increase : 
how, or by what means, the unfortunate position in which the pro- 
fession now stands is to be raised to a better, need not be entered 
upon; but the first step, and without it all attempts will be in vain, 
is that of union and good-fellowship amongst its members; and it 
certainly would be an important step if a Mutual Protection Asso- 
ciation could be brought to bear. 
VOL. XIX. . P 
