186 MR. BAKER ON A VETERINARY ANNUITY FUND. 
large spavin obtruded itself upon my notice, which had no exist- 
ence certainly at the time I made my first two examinations. 
After some preparatory treatment, I fired him deeply for the 
disease, and recommended that he have a winter’s rest, the result of 
which was, restoration to soundness. At the time I am writing, he 
continues sound, after having done two seasons’ hunting, and being 
still in the highest estimation with his present master. 
A SECOND LETTER FROM MR. BAKER ON THE 
FORMATION OF A VETERINARY ANNUITY FUND. 
My dear Sirs, 
The kindness with which you have received and alluded to my 
project for establishing an Annuity Fund for the members of our 
profession is entitled to my warmest thanks. It gratifies me ex- 
tremely to find that some of the leading men amongst our profes- 
sional brethren are willing to co-operate with me to secure so de- 
sirable a result. I perused with much satisfaction the letters of 
Messrs. Cherry and Anderson that appeared in the last Number 
of The Veterinarian, and heartily thank them for the readiness 
with which they enter into my views. The long experience which 
the former gentleman has had of life, and his high standing with the 
profession, induce me to hope his arguments and opinions will 
have their due weight. 
At the risk of being deemed importunate and wearisome, I 
again advert to the unanimity that must prevail among ourselves 
to enable us to realize the full advantages of this great and com- 
mendable object. We must put aside all personal feeling and 
professional politics, and meet on neutral ground, casting away 
all discord and opinions, to work together as members of one body, 
animated by the common desire of conferring benefits upon the 
whole. When unanimity and mutual forbearance are better culti- 
vated amongst us, we shall find the success of our great undertak- 
ing mainly promoted by the unity of purpose with which our 
plans are conceived, matured, and executed. It is in every man’s 
power to contribute his share to the sum of human happiness, for 
all have something to bestow. The great foundation of civil vir- 
tue is self-denial ; and few, indeed, but have above the necessities 
of life opportunities of exercising that noble quality, and doing all 
that their fortune, time, and talents, will enable them to perform 
for the ease and convenience of other men. There are none who 
deserve superiority over others who do not make it their endeavour 
