212 
FRENCH VETERINARY SOCIETIES. 
were, for the most part, more readily prosecuted, and that the dis- 
eases of the feet, and shoeing, could there be studied to better 
advantage. 
In another point of view, the centre of action residing in the 
metropolitan society must forcibly operate in putting down char- 
latans, who mix themselves up with our profession. Let us hope 
that ere long government will legislate regarding the practice of 
our art. Enactments so much to be desired can alone put down 
empirics, and will therefore no doubt have to encounter serious 
difficulties; these, however, a judicious concours of veterinary 
societies will go far to surmount. 
M. Girard concluded his address on this interesting occasion in 
the words following : — 
“ Permit me, gentlemen, before I sit down, to thank the society 
for the honour they have done me in electing me their honorary 
president. It is a distinction I am keenly sensible of. Old prac- 
titioner, old professor, long time director of a veterinary school 
whose reputation is become European, I have devoted all my 
energy to the study of veterinary medicine ; and I feel but too 
happy to be still able to assist my successors in their labours, and 
to co-operate with them to the utmost extent of my remaining 
faculties/’ 
The Central Society of Veterinary Medicine held its second 
meeting in the Salle d' Agriculture of the Hotel de Ville , presided 
over by M. Girard. 
A great number of eminent men, medical as well as veterinary, 
were present on the occasion. 
The Royal Academy of Medicine were represented at the meet- 
ing by its two secretaries, M. Dubois (of Amiens), perpetual 
secretary, and M. Melier, annual secretary. 
M. Gavot, director of studs, and corresponding member of the 
society, took his seat at the committee table. 
At half-past one o’clock M. Girard, honorary president, opened 
the meeting with the following oration : — 
Gentlemen, — Yielding to the wishes of the Central Society of 
Veterinary Medicine, I am come for the second time to preside at 
its annual meeting. Notwithstanding my fondness for retirement, 
I have been unable to resist this honourable mission ; one that I 
feel unspeakable pleasure in fulfilling, surrounded as I find myself 
by distinguished colleagues, almost all of whom have been my 
own pupils. 
The compte-rendu which the secretary-general will have to 
render you of the labours of the central society during the year 
