706 
SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL. 
tary S. M. Phillips, in which the prayer of the Council was as- 
sented to ; namely, that no steps should be taken towards the 
granting to any parties a new Charter without the Council of the 
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons being apprised thereof; 
and, also, that there was nothing at present in progress towards 
the same object, so far as the Secretary of State was concerned. 
Some remarks were made on the favourable tone of the reply, and 
Mr. Arthur Cherry moved, and Mr. King seconded, “ That the 
reply from the Home Office be entered on the minutes.” Carried. 
Mr. Arthur Cherry , as Honorary Secretary to the Registration 
Committee, reported progress : — That upwards of six hundred cir- 
culars had been issued to members whose addresses were known — 
that about two hundred and sixty had been returned, and, on the 
whole, satisfactorily filled up, conveying a good deal of valuable 
information — that there were still a large number to be returned, 
and also a very large number of members’ addresses to be obtained; 
and unless the returns were made, the Committee could not enter 
such parties as positively bona fide members : they must stand as 
doubtful. District lists could not contain any names unless they 
were known to be correct. 
Mr. King having tendered his resignation of the office of Trea- 
surer, and which the Council had accepted, gave in his report of 
the state of the accounts, together with the books, &c. 
Mr. King, with the utmost feeling, returned thanks for the manner 
in which his resignation had been accepted, and also for the kindness 
which he had always met with during the period of his holding 
office. 
The office of Treasurer being now vacant, a ballot was taken, 
and the choice fell unanimously on Mr. Field, who was elected 
accordingly, and the books and accounts were duly handed over to 
that gentleman. 
Mr. Braby made some remarks on the signing of cheques. A 
general conversation ensued, simply relating to internal management 
of Council duties. 
The Secretary recapitulated the proceedings which had taken 
place in respect to the question arising out of Dr. Mercer’s con- 
duct ; the letters connected with the subject were also read over. 
Mr. Ernes, in a warm speech, warned the Council not to be 
hasty in dismissing Dr. Mercer from the office of Examiner for 
Scotland. 
Mr. Arthur Cherry urged that, at present, there was no question 
before the Council respecting the dismissal of any party. The 
question was, what was the nature and extent of the offence al- 
leged to have been committed ; after which would follow the con- 
sideration of the manner in which it was to be met. Dr. Mercer 
