150 
VERERINARY BENEVOLENCE. 
• Newry, Ireland, Feb. 2, 1850. 
Sir, — I SEE, by one of the London papers, a notice of a most 
distressing case brought before the magistrates at Westminster, 
through the instrumentality of a benevolent lady, which, as it 
casts a slur upon the members of our profession, I trust I may not 
be considered intrusive, if I take the liberty of calling your atten- 
tion to. 
It is that of the widow of a Mr. John Turner, who appears be- 
fore the magistrate in a state of perfect destitution, and evidently 
suffering from illness. She had formerly moved in a very respect- 
able sphere, as the wife of a veterinary practitioner; but, owing 
to misfortune, she is now reduced to the most abject want, and is 
compelled to appear in a common police-office as a suppliant for 
charity. Now, Sir, is not this a disgrace to our profession 1 When 
shall we, as the members of other professions have done, commence 
to establish a refuge for our decayed members and their distressed 
widows 1 Surely we might contribute a tithe of our earnings yearly 
towards their support when old age or poverty overtakes them. 
Our profession is steadily advancing in prosperity and respectabi- 
lity ; and let it not, for the sake of a trifle yearly from each member, 
be subjected to the stigma of having to thank public charity for 
that relief to one of its members, which should by right be awarded 
by the veterinary body. 
Trusting you will give the subject your able advocacy, and 
endeavour to stimulate our brethren to an effort in the right 
direction, 
I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 
A Student. 
The Editor of “ The Veterinarian.” 
*** If “ A Student” will look into the volume of The VETE- 
RINARIAN for 1846, pp. 8 and 186, he will find he has been anti- 
cipated in his benevolent object by Mr. Baker, who, like himself, 
feeling the great desirableness of some Professional Relief Fund, 
submitted that year suggestions for the formation of one ; and was 
only stayed in the prosecution of his philanthropic views — in 
which he was supported at the time by several leading men of the 
profession — by its being the general opinion that the period was 
not the most favourable for their accomplishment. Such a project 
might, we think, at the present time, be renewed with a better 
chance of success. — Ed. Vet. 
