VETERINARY BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, 
163 
their annual incomes to secure to themselves the necessary com- 
forts when age or infirmities may have overtaken them ; for “he who 
depicts unto himself unclouded happiness on earth, or deems that 
he can subdue the agitations and sudden changes of this life, might 
as wisely look for substance in a shadow, or seek to bridle the 
waves of the ever-rolling waters while those who, through the 
kind dispensations of an all-wise Providence, are raised above 
these contingencies, whose pathway through life has been more 
bright, and on whom the rod of affliction has not been allowed to 
rest, will not hesitate to contribute towards the alleviation of those 
casualties which sometimes befall their less fortunate brethren in the 
profession, nor leave them alone to contend with the storm. 
“The club of United Veterinary Surgeons, at their meeting on 
the 12th inst., did me the honour unanimously to approve of my 
suggestion, and with a view to ascertain what might be the feelings 
of the veterinary profession as a body, respecting it, chose the fol- 
lowing Provisional Committee : — 
Mr. Assistant Professor Spooner 
Mr. W. J. T. Morton Mr. H. Daws 
Mr. W. Youatt Mr. J. B. Simonds. 
“This Committee has met, and given to the subject the considera- 
tion which it deserves. Ere, however, the present Members of the 
Committee venture to state or to adopt any definite plan of pro- 
ceeding, they wish to ascertain the feeling and opinion of their 
brethren ; and they would be thankful to receive from their brethren 
everywhere assurances of support, and hints as to the foundation 
and moulding of an institution connected with the best feelings of 
our nature, and that will ultimately become one of the noblest orna- 
ments of the profession. Promptness is respectfully urged, as a 
meeting of those who are favourable to this Benevolent Society 
will be summoned as soon as a sufficient number of names has been 
obtained.” 
The medical profession has lately been deprived of one of its 
brightest ornaments. On the 12th of last month died Sir Astley 
Cooper, than whom there were few men possessed of stronger natural 
