224 THE FRENCH ARMY VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
of which were originally produced by this method of breeding. 
Alluding to the effect of breeding from fat animals in this man- 
ner, he said that early maturity, which was very desirable to be 
obtained, was the consequence. But he was of opinion that 
sometimes it was carried too far, as he believed that extreme 
early maturity, and the certainty of propagating their kind, were 
seldom compatible ; and he also believed that the loss of a trifling 
degree of fat — which would be compensated for by an increase of 
Jiesk — increase of health, and an increase of strength, with the cer- 
tainty of propagating their kind, would be excellent substitutes. 
SOME CONSIDERATIONS IN FAVOUR OF THE LEGAL 
PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE CHAMBER’ OF PEERS, 
WITH REFERENCE TO A CHANGE IN THE POSITION 
OF THE FRENCH ARMY VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
By M. Renault, Director of the Royal Veterinary School 
at Alfort. 
[Continued from page 180.] 
Some persons imagine that it would be sufficient to increase 
the pay of the veterinary surgeons, and thus to ensure them a 
more comfortable retreat, their rank in the army remaining as it 
is, or at least not raising them above the situation of subalterns. 
Others regard it as indispensable that their pay and their 
pension should be increased ; but they consider it as not less im- 
portant and just that their rank in the army should be raised, 
and that the veterinary surgeon should occupy a station next to 
that of the medical man. 
Let us examine these two opinions. 
A very little reflection will suffice to shew that the first of these 
systems would entirely miss its aim, and would leave the admi- 
nistration in the same state of embarrassment, and the regiments 
in the same want of well-informed men. 
What is in reality, at the present time, the pecuniary position 
of the veterinary surgeons of the army ? The annual pay of the 
first veterinary surgeon amounts to 1400 francs, or £58.. 6s.. 8r/., to 
which is to be added certain profits which they obtain by furnish- 
ing the regiments with sufficient and proper medicines. This 
usually is about 800 francs, or £33..6s..8t/., varying materially 
according to the healthiness of the situation, the state of the 
