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VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
REPORT EOR THE SESSION, 1854-55. 
Mr. President and Gentlemen, — It is incumbent on 
me, at this, the last meeting of the Association for the 
session, to lay before you an account of the proceedings 
during the period I have officiated as acting Secretary ; 
previous to which, however, I would make a few remarks 
relative to the manner in which the meetings have been 
conducted. I am indeed happy to be able to state that the 
greatest harmony and good feeling have existed between the 
members; and the spirited discussions which from time to 
time have taken place on the introduction of the essays, I 
feel certain must prove of great value to us in our subse- 
quent pursuits in life. It would be presumptuous on my 
part to attempt to explain to you the benefits that accrue 
from meetings of this kind, since you are all familiar with 
these advantages ; and the regular attendance of most of the 
members during the session is, I think, a sufficient proof of 
this. 
I may be allowed to remark that w r e have had but very few 
veterinary surgeons present at our weekly meetings. The 
Association, therefore, has become almost, if not altogether, a 
students 5 society, and in my opinion it is better that it 
should remain as such, for the following reason : — there is 
not that reserve exhibited between fellow-students during 
the debates, that is often witnessed when strangers are 
present; on which account many useful facts are elicited 
that in all probability would have remained in oblivion from 
a w 7 ant of confidence to make them known on the part of 
the possessor; nevertheless I am quite aware that good 
would result from the experience of an established prac- 
titioner being at times communicated. 
At the commencement of the session a few seemingly dis- 
advantageous circumstances arose, but fortunately they were 
of but short duration. The officers then chosen by you 
from among the members still hold their several situations, 
with the exception of Mr. R. Hammond, who was obliged to 
withdraw from ill health, and Mr. G. Western, who resigned 
the office of vice-president. 
The essays introduced have been varied, and on important 
subjects, and are highly creditable to their respective 
authors. The great object has been to convey practical in- 
formation, and that in so condensed a form as to admit of 
an unrestrained and useful discussion. 
