TO Mil. SPOONER. 
227 
it is extremely desirable that a mark of respect should be paid 
to C. Spooner, Esq., evincing our high estimation of him as a 
teacher, and as a distinguished member of the veterinary pro- 
fession.” In furtherance of the object, a committee was formed, 
consisting of twelve veterinary surgeons (late pupils), and the 
same number of his present class, with Captain Randall as 
treasurer, and Mr. W. S. Wallis as secretary. A subscription 
was then commenced, and continued open until February 20th, 
1837. 
A piece of plate was then purchased by a sub-committee, and 
on the 27th Mr. Brough was solicited, in the name and on be- 
half of the committee and his fellow-students, to present this 
token of their esteem, which he did in nearly the following 
terms : — 
He could have wished, he said, that this pleasing task had 
devolved upon some one more able than himself; and he confess- 
ed he felt his inadequacy to do justice to the feelings of those 
he had the honour to represent; but he hoped they would excuse 
him if he did not convey to Mr. Spooner, in language sufficient- 
ly impressive, the warm and genuine sentiments of their minds. 
It was not that he lacked the spirit, but the ability to express in 
commensurate terms the emotions of his own mind, and in which 
he well knew every gentleman around him participated. He 
had witnessed with mingled satisfaction and improvement, during 
his attendance on the lectures of Mr. Spooner, the able and 
energetic manner in which that gentleman invariably delivered 
his instructions, and the never-failing impressions they made on 
the mind. As a proof, if proof were wanting, that there was 
no discrepancy of opinion in the minds of those constituting the 
present class, as to the expediency of presenting this testimonial 
of their esteem, he would only say, that the list of voluntary and 
eager subscribers was, in point of fact, a list of the class ; and 
comprising not only the junior students, who, although only 
lately introduced to their preceptor, had seen enough of him to 
appreciate his talent and his kindness, but those who had had 
the happiness of knowing him before the present session, and in 
whose judgment of him there could be no mistake. 
Mr. Brough having presented the plate to Mr. Spooner, he 
arose, and thus returned his thanks : — 
Gentlemen, — I have been in the daily habit of addressing a 
class in this theatre for the last five years. You will therefore, 
perhaps, infer that I begin to feel myself at home among you; but 
I trust that I am, at the same time, duly impressed with the great 
responsibility which is attached to the situation which I have 
the honour to fill among you, as a teacher of veterinary anatomy 
