634 PRESENT STATE OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
knowledge of the fundamental principles of veterinary science 
before they could commence practice. 
If, however, the agriculturists feel deeply impressed with the 
great importance of veterinary science, and view its applicability 
to the principles of agricultural economy and the cause of hu- 
manity, probably they will feel assured that, even the present 
system of veterinary education is not commensurate with all the 
wants and wishes of the members of the profession, or suffi- 
ciently extensive in its nature and application, to enable veterina- 
rians to confer the same amount of benefit upon the agricultural 
interest as would result from a much more extensive cultivation 
of the fundamental principles of veterinary science, as it regards 
all domesticated animals. 
As this appears to be the position of the veterinary profession, 
it probably may be deemed worthy of the consideration of the no- 
blemen and gentlemen who constitute the Royal English Agri- 
cultural Society, and the general body of agriculturists ; and if 
such should be the case, I beg leave to assure them that, in my 
humble opinion, they will not only be conferring much obliga- 
tion on the veterinary profession, but obtain, in some mea- 
sure, a guarantee for the competency of future veterinarians, if 
they will cause the enactment of a bill which shall not only re- 
gulate the course of veterinary instruction, but also compel the 
students to devote a sufficient length of time, either at the Royal 
Veterinary College, or any other school in the united kingdom, 
and then pass a board of efficient examiners before they should be 
allowed to practise. 
As The Veterinarian is the recognised organ of the pro- 
fession, it must necessarily become the creature of circumstances 
connected with veterinary movements and politics, and the chro- 
nicle of the opinions and sentiments of the members of the pro- 
fession, and which at this important juncture should be unreser- 
vedly given not only by your old and long-tried friends, but also 
by every member of the profession who possesses the slightest de- 
gree of love for his art, and understands the true principles upon 
which veterinary science either is or should be founded ; namely, 
the conferring of the greatest benefit on the greatest number of 
our fellow-subjects, by saving the lives of our domesticated ani- 
mals. This seems to be the grand object of veterinary science, 
and a noble one indeed. It is in strict accordance with the best 
feelings of our nature, humanity and benevolence. 
The Association has an undoubted right to publish its trans- 
actions in any way that may be deemed best calculated to raise 
funds for the purpose of defraying the necessary disbursements, 
and promoting the progress of veterinary science ; but I imagine 
