CATTLE PATHOLOGY. 
9 
my inquiries were naturally directed to the state of veterinary 
matters, more particularly as regarded its connexion with cattle 
pathology, and I found there was a lamentable dearth of practical 
veterinarians, the general complaint being that they were obliged 
to employ itinerants, or leave things to chance. One very intel- 
ligent person, who visits almost every farm of note in the west as 
a wool-stapler, and whose opinion I consider worth attention, 
assured me that there was an ample living to be obtained by a 
good practical veterinarian in every circle of ten miles throughout 
the country. This leads me to refer to Mr. Tombs’s letter, replete 
with sound facts; for without a thorough knowledge of their pro- 
fession in all its branches it will be utterly impossible for young 
men to succeed. Then comes the fact, that if students cannot 
obtain their knowledge at the London school, it must of necessity 
be learned by a prescribed servitude with an able practitioner. 
It has been urged by some, that gentlemen of education would 
not be found to wade through agricultural practice : let them bear 
the consequences, they will soon perceive their error. There are 
many, I doubt not, who would be willing enough to enjoy the 
sweets of a profession without undergoing the drudgery; but such 
men are seldom long before they find their mistake ; and I take 
leave to tell the supporters of such characters, that a want of pro- 
per zeal in every undertaking will surely, ere long, meet with its 
due reward. 
Gentlemen, I have penned this with no hostile feelings to any 
man or society of men, but from a sure conviction that, as rapid 
strides are now making in every scientific pursuit, it becomes ne- 
cessary for corresponding movements to meet every circumstance 
arising therefrom ; and I earnestly hope that this letter may have 
the effect of drawing the attention of persons whose interests are 
so intimately connected with the improvement of the veterinary 
art, as may induce them to take a right view of the exertions 
which are now being made by the Council of the Royal College 
of Veterinary Surgeons, aided by the body at large. 
ON HYDROPS UTERI. 
By W. A. Cartwright, M.R.C. V.S. Whitchurch, Salop. 
Dropsy of the uterus may be of two kinds. Either an accu- 
mulation of water, hydatids, or an increase of the liquor amnii, or 
of purulent matter. I shall in a great measure, but not entirely, 
confine myself to the consideration of the latter in the cow. 
VOL. XX. C 
