VETERINARY BOARDS OF EXAMINATION. 
267 
necessity of putting their trust in a graven image, even though it 
be that of a monster which “ rears boldly up, firmly grasping the 
shield 
Mr. Cherry’s letter is but an echo of Mr. Mayhew’s remarks 
regarding the subject alluded to. It were well had he adduced 
something new in support of the vague, and, as yet, unproved as- 
sertions which he so unaccountably reiterates nearly word for word, 
and which fail to convince the reader of any thing, except that he 
has nothing to say. 
He asks, “ what of instruction is to be meted out, what is to be 
the standard of knowledge to enable a candidate to appear before 
such a board, and possess himself of such a valueless document ] 
It cannot be high, when, if rumour does not lie, one who is incapa- 
ble of writing his own name may probably be a candidate.” Here 
is nothing but hypothesis on Mr. Cherry’s part, and, consequently, 
nothing tangible in the question he both puts and answers. I will 
endeavour to supply him with a reply of more general application 
than his own : it is this — There are students going before “ such a 
board,” who are entitled by apprenticeship and attendance at col- 
lege to appear before the Examiners of the Royal College of Ve- 
terinary Surgeons. The instruction which has been “ meted out ” 
to them is what the Council has hitherto accepted as admitting to 
examination, and would, I doubt not, have gladly accepted again 
had we given the opportunity. There is less shame in a person 
probably being a candidate who is incapable of writing his own 
name, than in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons having 
Examiners who cannot write legibly, or spell anything like correctly 
the words and questions they employ, and which they cannot even 
articulate in intelligible English. 
Mr. Cherry would oblige me if he would state what there is 
in the Charter, or in any existing law, which constitutes members 
of the incorporation alone eligible for army veterinary surgeons. 
Let him point out, by reference to specific laws and regulations, 
not by reiterating his own assertions, what there is to prevent the 
examination of any individual possessing the necessary attain- 
ments, or what there is to hinder his appointment if found pro- 
fessionally competent. 
But by certain parties appointing a Board to examine their own 
pupils, it is asked — “ Whether by such acts they do not place 
the schools beyond the pale of the Charter 1” If the schools in- 
struct those students who wish to become members of the body 
politic in the way and under the conditions specified by the Char- 
ter, what further have they to do with the Charter, or the Charter 
with them 1 If students wish to be educated, and never intend 
becoming members of the corporate body, must the schools deny 
