162 VETERINARY BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, 
The worthy Secretary had scarcely advanced thus far in his im- 
portant undertaking, ere he experienced the most distressing be- 
reavement that can happen to any of us, — the loss of the partner of 
his life. He has the commiseration of every one who knows,, his 
worth, and that is of every one who knows any thing about him ; 
and even now, amidst his own domestic sorrows, he is engaged in 
the noble work he has undertaken. 
The Committee is rightly taking the first step to place the vete- 
rinary art in the situation which it ought to occupy. It is high 
time that veterinary surgeons should begin to assume their true 
station in society. Their claims are fairly stated — their demands 
moderate, but just; and we trust that there is not a member of the 
profession who will hesitate to respond to the call. 
No time is to be lost; and we hope that, in our next number, we 
shall be enabled to announce the presentation and good acceptance 
of the Petition and Address. In a letter just received from the 
Secretary, he states that communications and contributions are rapid- 
ly pouring in, and that he has reason to hope that the profession, as a 
body, will cordially unite in the accomplishment of this noble object. 
Another subject, interesting and important, is brought forward 
by our zealous and indefatigable friend, Mr. Morton. He shall 
speak for himself. 
“ There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth 
more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” 
“ In the year 1839, I ventured to propose to the veterinary pro- 
fession, through the medium of The VETERINARIAN, page 530, 
vol. xii, the formation of a Benevolent Society, the object of which 
was, the relief of those members who might be in distressed circum- 
stances, from mental or bodily infirmity, or who, from other causes, 
might be considered as requiring and deserving assistance, and 
which, in the event of their demise, after they have been subscribers 
for a certain number of years, may, under the like painful circum- 
stances, be allowed to their widows or families. 
“ Such an Institution needs no laboured commendation. The less 
affluent will deem it but prudent to appropriate a small sum from 
