472 
SITTINGS OF THE COUNCIL 
this year. Nine gentlemen presented themselves for examina- 
tion, and eight received the Diploma of the College. 
The section of the Board acting for Scotland is at present short 
by three Members; Dr. Knox having left Edinburgh; Dr 
Mercer having resigned on the same account ; and Mr. Lyon, of 
Glasgow, because the fee was not sufficient to induce him to go 
the distance. Two other gentlemen have memorialized for an 
increase of fee, or travelling expenses, on account of the distance 
they have to come. 
Under these circumstances the Secretary begs to submit to the 
consideration of the Council, whether the vacancies should be 
filled up, or whether this opportunity should be taken to alto- 
gether re-organize this section of the Board : the grounds on 
which the latter suggestion is offered are, that the examination 
did not appear to be conducted with that degree of dignity and 
deliberation essential to the advancement of veterinary science, 
and that gentlemen might be selected whose personal character 
and position might add weight to the decisions of the Board. 
As the task of individualizing would be very invidious, the 
non-desirability of doing so will at once be obvious, until the 
Council shall have decided on their future proceeding. 
Your Secretary had several interviews with Professor Dick, and 
received from that gentleman an official invitation to his examina- 
tion dinner, which he accepted. 
The Professor expressed the best feeling towards the Royal Col- 
lege of Veterinary Surgeons, and trusted that any rivalry between 
it and himself would be only to advance the profession; but 
stated that, having prevailed on the Highland and Agricultural 
Society to grant him a separate Board of Examiners, he could 
not at present secede from it. 
Your Secretary, however, trusts he will, by and by, see the de- 
sirability of doing so; and would venture to suggest to the 
Council, should a re-organization of the section of the Board act- 
ing for Scotland be decided on, that Professor Dick’s opinion be 
taken, from his intimate knowledge of all parties in the vicinity 
as to the eligibility and qualification of such gentlemen as may 
hereafter be selected for so onerous a duty. 
“ E. N. Gabriel, Secretary:' 
“ London, June 20th, 1850.” 
The Report was received, and ordered, for the consideration of 
the Members of Council, to be printed. 
The Appointment of a Registrar next came before the 
Council. It was thought there was no occasion for any separate 
appointment of the kind ; but that the duties thereof might be, with 
