514 
ON THE SAME. 
By Mr. Vines. 
To the Editors oJ'“ The Veterinarian.” 
Gentlemen, — In the last number of your Journal, I read the 
copy of a letter addressed by Mr. Friend to the Governors of the 
Veterinary College, respecting the late public advertisement in 
The Times paper of the 3d June, offering the situation of Pro- 
fessor of Cattle Pathology, &c. at the Veterinary College, to 
public competition among graduated veterinary surgeons. 
Mr. Friend complains much respecting the conduct of the 
Governors of this Institution, and considers the management of 
the affair “unjust, ungenerous, a farce, and a heartless mockery 
of competition, simply to give a colouring to fairness of proceed- 
ings never intended, and thus victimize the unsuccessful candi- 
dates/* 
Further, he complains of their “not having had the common 
courtesy to inform him in any way of the ill-success of his appli- 
cation ; a want of attention that would be deservedly complained 
of by an applicant for a groom’s or footman’s situation, if applied 
for in answer to an advertisement.” Mr. Friend concludes by 
“ supposing that the other competitors were treated in the like 
manner.” I, for one, cannot allow this affair to pass over with- 
out stating that I happened to be placed in a similar situation. 
Seeing this advertisement in The Times paper, and considering 
myself fully competent, I came forward on public authority, and 
offered myself as a candidate for the appointment. 
I should have pursued a similar course, had such a situation 
been offered by any other institution, and which I regret much 
has never been the case. Having been a member of the Royal 
Agricultural Society of England from the time it was first formed, 
and understanding that a grant of £200 per annum has been voted 
to the Veterinary College for the encouragement of the science of 
the veterinary profession, and also having been a teacher at the 
College for fourteen years without a stain on my character, I con- 
sider, having sent in a respectful application to a public offer, that 
I ought, at least, for the service I have rendered this institution and 
the profession , to have been treated otherwise than with contempt. 
I shall refrain, at present, from making any comments on the 
conduct of the Governors of this establishment, but remain your 
obedient servant, &c. 
Richard Vines, Consulting and Practical 
13, Great College Street, Veterinary Surgeon. 
Camden Town. 
