176 
THE PRESENTATION OF A 
improvement that lvad of late taken place, not only in the dis- 
cussions, but in the character of the essays. He considered 
that much of this was due to Mr. Sewell for his great exertions, 
his zeal in their cause, and his undeviating attention as their 
President for a space of twenty-one years. 
As one of the committee engaged in bringing about the de- 
sired object, for the fulfilment of which they had now met, he 
was sure he was expressing the sentiments of every member 
when he said, that they were actuated by one and the same 
spirit, namely, that of offering him some acceptable, yet, after 
all, but slight acknowledgment for his long and valuable services : 
how far they succeeded, their constituents must determine. The 
service of plate now before them was mere silver ; but he could 
tell Mr. Sewell, that he had bought for himself golden opinions, 
which will be worn in their freshest gloss as long as the veteri- 
nary art is known. 
The chairman soon after retired, but not a few remained, and 
spent another pleasant hour or two, and they were not all be- 
longing to the younkers either. Twenty years and more had passed 
since the members of this Society had thus met together. The 
professional and the students’ dinners had intervened, and plea- 
sant they were ; but the fellows of this Society had not, as such, 
assembled to talk of old scenes, and to renew old friendships. 
Be it a weakness — it deserves some praise ; 
We love the play-place of our early days. 
The scene is touching, and the heart is stone 
That feels not at that sight. 
Not one unpleasant word or feeling interrupted the harmony 
of this meeting, nor did any one regret the hours he trifled away 
there. No, he did not trifle them away; — for the object of all 
being ostensibly, we would fain hope honestly, the same, although 
the paths which we pursue in the accomplishment of that object 
somewhat materially differ, these friendly collisions are well 
calculated to do us good. The heart that beats with malignity, 
or jealousy, or a sense of real or fancied injury, is brought to a 
momentary pause — the circulatory vessels have time to contract 
upon their contents — they resume somewhat of their natural 
