PRESENT CONDITION OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 91 
stances 1 How much, therefore, can be looked for, when those who 
have been placed in the management of the affairs of the body 
corporate by the regulations of Her Most Gracious Majesty’s Char- 
ter, and by elections at the annual meetings ; how much, I repeat, 
is to be looked for, when every obstacle that disappointment, re- 
venge, or malice, could invent — and carried out without regard to 
truth or honourable conduct — has been cast in their way] Yet, 
still, these members of your Council, actuated by one feeling, sub- 
mitted to personal insult the most gross, vituperation the most un- 
called for, at the expense of their time, their money, and their 
repose ; boldly, steadily fought on the battle, and triumphed, because 
they were in the right, — justice was on their side. But have they 
triumphed for themselves ] No, not in the least. As metropolitan 
members, their position had been long settled by laws which affect 
the metropolis almost exclusively : the Charter neither added to 
their social position, nor would the loss of it take from it. The battle 
w r as fought for the BODY of the profession, and the only reward 
that is looked for, is the support of their brethren at large : let them 
but rally round them, and all the painful tasks that have been en- 
countered are but as dust in the balance. 
Glance only at the statistics of the followers of the art, as shewn 
by the number of those who gain a livelihood by the practice upon 
cattle. Whatever name they may be known by, however ignorant 
they may be, still, if they get their living by it, or even a part there- 
of, they must statistically be looked at as belonging to the veteri- 
nary body. It may appear degradatory to many to hear such a 
position maintained : but we must not be fastidious; our object is, 
or ought to be, that of “ regeneration and it is only by looking 
evils steadily in the face, by analysing, that we stand any chance 
of getting rid of them. The certificated members number some- 
where between twelve and fourteen hundred. The proportion that 
the quacks, itinerants, farriers, or by whatsoever name they may 
be known, is underrated at four or five to one certificated member ; 
say 1.300 to 6.500, and I am quite sure that I am far below the truth. 
Will any one say, after this, that the veterinary art is despised or 
held as nought in this kingdom ] When the public are satisfied, or 
rather are obliged to put up — for want of better — with such spuri- 
ous practitioners, and such small numbers of certificated men, it 
may be asked, how is it the latter are not all employed to the ut- 
most ] for that they are not is too true ; — but look below the surface 
for the reason. Can any one be found bold enough to assert that 
the schools have produced men capable of pursuing the profession 
as it ought ] Have those who are bright exceptions (and there are 
many) depended on their “ College” knowledge] No; they have 
acquired it in other ways and by other means. Those who have, 
