VETERINARY ANNUITY FUND. 
189 
saying that it will lead to an unanimous consent. Other corporate 
and professional bodies have instituted annuity funds to afford 
relief to them in their decayed years, as well to their widows 
and orphans. Why, then, does not our profession follow in the 
same noble march of improvement 1 Is it because the “ Charter” 
has led to so much silly and unqualified disunion ? I say, no. — 
It is because there is a lethargy among our veterinary members to 
muster a force sufficient to commence with. But when begun, no 
doubt the rest of our brethren (which nearly reckon one thousand) 
will readily follow in the ranks of this grand project, where discord 
and cavilling will be set aside ; and let that party faction which 
has of late prevailed among us be buried, and concord and good 
feeling be their substitutes. It has been asked, What great 
benefit is to accrue from that most estimable boon, the Vete- 
rinary Charter ? I would make the following reply : — that, 
beside bestowing a higher status on our too-much-neglected pro- 
fession, and enforcing a more liberal and extended method of 
education for our students, it likewise affords us an opportunity of 
assembling ourselves together as a body “ politic and corporate,” 
and entering on a plan for such a benevolent institution as has 
been suggested, whereby we may be able, as professional brethren, 
by assisting and doing good to one another, to render succour in 
time of need. For, as Mr. Cherry remarks, a professional man 
has a great deal to contend with in the exercise of his daily avo- 
cations. Although he stems the tide with might and main, and, 
pro tempore , arrives in a safe haven, yet it but too often happens 
that in his declining years he gains any thing but the “ lion’s 
share,” and must sit contented with a “beggar’s harvest,” and 
often leaves those nearest and dearest to him unprovided for. 
These few remarks will substantiate my reasons for the immediate 
commencement of the society ; and I sincerely hope that no dis- 
sension will prevail among us in such a noble undertaking, but 
trust that it will be promoted with renewed vigour, as it has mani- 
fold claims from us all. 
As the Annual General Meeting of the Chartered body takes 
place on the first Monday in May, I would suggest that a propo- 
sition be made to take up this matter, and form a committee of 
management, to draw out a prospectus, and enrol members, to 
give it a fair trial. Might it not be advisable also to solicit a few 
noblemen and gentlemen to aid us in the enterprise 1 
I remain, &c. 
Edinburgh, 
March 14, 1846. 
D d 
VOL. XIX. 
