THE REVISION OF THE BY-LAWS CONSIDERED. 589 
also to Shoeing on scientific and approved principle^ I hope to 
remove the defects so long existing in this line in I 
think, Sir, you might couple this with the article headed “Ameri- 
can Modesty in Veterinary Surgery,” in the June number of The 
VETERINARIAN. This young man has never served any time to 
a practitioner of the veterinary art, nor has he had any opportunity 
of becoming acquainted with the treatment of horses ; he has re- 
mained at home all the past session, but purposes going to Edin- 
burgh at the commencement of the next session, and remaining there 
to the end, and presenting himself for examination for a diploma as 
one having attended two sessions , as required by the rules of the 
College. Now, Sir, I myself, have served an apprenticeship to a 
graduate of the R.V.C., since which I have been nearly thirteen 
years in practice ; for nearly five years I had charge of one of the 
largest horse establishments in the north of England, and was for 
some time afterwards partner with a graduated veterinary sur- 
geon ; and although my employers have never expressed any dis- 
satisfaction, yet I am anxious to become a M.R.C.V.S., and I had 
nearly made my arrangements with a person to attend to my prac- 
tice whilst walking one of the Colleges this ensuing session ; but 
if a person utterly ignorant of any thing relating to the treatment 
of horses will be allowed to leave the College, dubbed a veteri- 
nary surgeon, “ qualified to practise the art and science of veteri- 
nary surgery,” in little better than five months’ study, for my part, 
I would prefer to remain without a diploma rather than submit 
myself for examination by a board that would make no distinc- 
tion between the candidates for a diploma ; but, at the same time, 
I do not mean to say that the Board of Examiners will not do 
their duty, nor do I impute any thing unfair to the worthy Pro- 
fessor of the Edinburgh College. I have had the pleasure of seeing 
him, and hearing him lecture, and I entertain a high opinion of him 
as a gentleman and a veterinary teacher. But, lest certificates 
should be accepted as proof of certain attendance and qualifications 
on the part of the pupil, I thought that a few words on the subject 
would not be out of place ; and I trust, for the honour of the pro- 
fession, that the candidates for a diploma, in future, will be manu- 
ally tested on practical points. Excuse my signature, I dare say 
you will recognise the handwriting; you have had it on more than 
one occasion before, with my real signature ; and I trust shortly 
will again, on another subject. 
Your obedient servant. 
4 I 
VOL. XX. 
