502 
ON THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL. 
Seeing this to be the case, these vacancies ought to have been 
filled up long ere this time; thus shewing that a dereliction of 
duty has occurred in some quarter or another. The onus pro - 
bandi I leave in other hands. It is not this, however, that I 
complain of; it is the insinuation thrown out on the Board. 
The language of the Report is too obvious to be mistaken, viz. 
“ That the Examination did not appear to be conducted with 
that degree of dignity and deliberation essential to the advance- 
ment of veterinary science .” What is meant by this word 
“dignity?” Or what does it refer to? Is it the browbeating or 
puzzling a student with “clap-trap questions?” If so, then I can 
assure you it certainly was wanting with our Board. In regard to 
the other, viz. “essential deliberation,” why, each candidate 
had his allotted time and questions, at each section of the Board ; 
the schedules were properly filled up ; nothing remained then to 
be done but compare notes and give our awards. Again, “ and 
that gentlemen might be selected whose personal character and 
position might add, weight to the decisions of the Board.” Now, 
Sir, I think this is too much assumption. If you look over the list 
of Examiners acting for Scotland, you will find that their “personal 
character ,” “abilities and “position” in society, will stand the 
test of a strict investigation. And what is more, they have always 
been stern and staunch friends to the advancement of the Royal 
College of Veterinary Surgeons. Perhaps an “official dinner ” 
might have added to our “ dignity and deliberations.” However, 
there is one point I would rejoice at, could 1 even bring myself to 
believe it, the following will shew why: “That the Professor 
has come at last, and expressed the best feelings towards the 
Roj'al College of Veterinary Surgeons, and trusted that any rivalry 
between it and himself would be only to advance the profession.” 
Whether this be a temporary or permanent statement, I am unable 
at present to divine. It does not look so clear to me as yet, and is 
not like giving up the Charter, which was tried to be got in oppo- 
sition to the one already obtained by the Royal College of Vete- 
rinary Surgeons (which all along has worked so well in the pro- 
fession). So much for his good feelings. Look at the sequel. 
He 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. His petition for a separate Board looks 
very promising/or his friendly feelings. Why did he appoint a 
Board of his own ? It would have looked better for his friendship 
had he been content with the one appointed by the Council. I 
come now to the last part of the Report. 
“ Your Secretary, however, trusts the Professor will, by and by, 
see the desirability of doing so ; and would venture to suggest to 
