THE VETERINARY 
650 
and progress of veterinary science, they could, none of them, 
easily forget the scenes that lately passed ; and it became their 
imperative duty, in the language of Mr. Mayer, “ to base the 
Association in such a way as to guard against such consequences 
in future.” All depends on the results of the ensuing session. 
No boyish thoughtlessness or pertinacity, no jealous, envious 
feeling, must disturb the harmony of its first movements ; — but 
when, in the language of the same gentleman, “ it has assumed 
a higher character, and obtained a more extended sphere of 
practical usefulness,” its regulations, like itself, may be liberal 
and free. 
An interesting account of the proceedings of one of the French 
associations precedes this article. It was purposely placed there. 
It gives us a glimpse — a cheering and delightful one — of what 
the Veterinary Medical Association may in due time become — its 
members scattered over every part of our extended empire, — and 
englishmen and foreigners contributing to its treasures and 
contending for its honours. 
I hope in the next number to be enabled to give a sketch of 
its early meetings, a copy of its regulations, and a list — a proud 
one — of its members. 
But is the battle to be won vvithout a struggle — is the course to 
be uniformly smooth and prosperous ? I fear not. What was 
the character of the Veterinary College during the greater part 
of the last session? Were the students quietly, honourably de- 
voted to the acquisition of veterinary science? Were the in- 
structors honourably devoted to the imparting of that knowledge 
which was essential to the future reputation and usefulness of 
the pupil ? When the lectures of the day were concluded, or in 
the intervals between them, were the students, in little knots 
and circles, discussing the important subjects to which their 
attention had been directed, and eagerly adding to their store of 
useful and indispensable information ? No. The attention of 
all was absorbed by one overpowering subject — the contest 
between a portion of the Veterinary Society and its officers. 
The greater part of the lecturers were faithful to their trust ; they 
disgraced neither themselves nor the art they professed to teach, ' 
