514 ON REGISTRATION AND UNCERTIFICATED PRACTITIONERS. 
opposition, while those who opposed them, though proper gra- 
duates, have been seriously injured. 
Never quarrel with them : treat them with civility ; it will 
always be of service in more ways than one. 
Bear in mind that men who will assume to be what they are 
not, cannot be possessed of honourable feeling, and will not hesitate 
to do you every injury in the most dangerous of all manners, viz. 
by secret hints, whispers, and every species of wiliness ; and 
these men have always some acquaintance who act as spies on 
your every action, and report, not without exaggeration, any thing 
they may fancy will suit their own purpose or their friends, the 
quacks. 
Do not forget that there is a law of libel ; for though perfect 
truth may be on your side, it is difficult oftentimes to prove it so 
as to satisfy a jury, for the whole onus of proof will rest with you. 
Avoid, therefore, so serious an evil. 
Propriety of conduct, assiduity, and a fair knowledge of your 
profession, will always command respect, and, in the long run, a 
good practice. 
The remarks I have made on quacks and pretenders do not ap- 
ply to another class, who are not to be treated with disrespect, 
though they may not have been students at the veterinary schools ; 
who by their propriety of conduct, natural good sense, and acquired 
skill, have gained positions in which they are respected, and de- 
servedly so ; and right glad should I be if I could hold out the hand 
of fellowship to them as members of our body coporate. Need I 
more than name such a good man and true as your old correspond- 
ent, Mr. J. Younghusband, of Grey stoke, as the representative of 
the class I mean? — or another, though not a correspondent of your 
Journal, Mr. Colman (the elder), of Tilshead, Wilts, whose son 
graduated not long since? — and many more, who want but the form 
to place them on a par with the best of us, and whose addition to 
our body corporate would do honour to it. 
I have scribbled a long rambling epistle ; but some of the topics 
are of importance, and may draw attention so as to lead to good : 
if so, I shall be satisfied. 
And am, 
Your’s obediently. 
August 14, 1848. 
