120 
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS. 
with these instructions, as they evidently allow the owner or blun- 
dering farrier to attend insured stock • if not, why is it stated that 
the veterinary surgeon is not to give advice in all cases of illness, 
but to decide the propriety of the course of treatment that is 
being pursued with sick stock ! I would ask Mr. Flower, by 
whom is this treatment pursued, if not by the regularly educated 
veterinary surgeon 1 His answer must be, by the owner, or whom 
he may choose to call in. We have been making strenuous efforts 
to prevent empiricism, but this regulation will encourage it to a 
fearful extent. It is my decided opinion that the Association cannot 
make its rules too stringent. It would prevent disputes, and cause 
a friendly feeling to exist between the insurers and insured. 
In conclusion, I hope the Association will correct and revise the 
instructions I have previously alluded to, and which will, I doubt not, 
be for the mutual good of the Association, ourselves and the Public. 
Stratford-on-Avon, Jan. 19, 1846. 
To the Editors of “The Veterinarian.” 
Gentlemen, — In the number of The VETERINARIAN for Octo- 
ber, appeared a letter from a student of the Royal Veterinary 
College, in which a wish was expressed that the students might 
have an opportunity of displaying their abilities by examination 
on the several branches of their studies, and thus obtain some sub- 
stantial remembrance of their talents when pupils, which I believe, 
to a limited extent, such chances they might (if they felt inclined) 
have long ere this embraced. 
It was not, however, until I had obtained my diploma that I 
was informed that one or two prizes might have been competed 
for : it appears, therefore, that publicity only is requisite for such 
a purpose, in order that they may be annually carried off. 
The system of distributing prizes, I am sorry to say, is not 
without its faults, interest and partiality deciding upon whom the 
honour of carrying off the prize belongs; and, lastly, the obtainer’s 
conceit being frequently raised to a very high pitch, causes a 
discontented and envious spirit to prevail amongst his fellow 
students, so that a boon of this kind is not without its attendant 
evil. 
I have written these few lines to acquaint students, that it has 
long since been the custom of the College to olfer prizes for com- 
petition amongst those similarly situated as himself. 
1 have the honour, gentlemen, to remain, 
Your’s very truly, 
M. R. C. V. S. 
