THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
643 
There are three important points which here force themselves 
upon our attention. First, there is the frank acknowledgment of 
the noble lord, that he was the original proposer of the strange 
circular to which we have alluded — a document that, taken in all 
its bearings, has not its parallel in the history of medicine — 
equally destructive to the interests of the farmer and the veteri- 
nary surgeon, and which has done mischief in the temporary 
but sad loss of condition in cattle, in the destruction of thousands 
of them, and in the alienation of those whose interest is the same, 
and who should never be disunited. 
Next is the acknowledgment, with regard to the circular at 
least, but extending by implication to the whole proceedings of 
the Society on this matter, that the Council had been unable to 
accomplish any good. 
Lastly comes — to the veterinary surgeon, the most fatal blow 
of all — the exultation with regard to one effect produced by the 
circular, the withdrawal of the confidence of the farmer from 
“ the quackery of horse and cow-doctors.” His lordship will say 
that he had no reference to the veterinary surgeon. He should 
have plainly stated this. The terms used by him are adopted in 
every part of the kingdom as descriptive of those “ good or bad,” 
ignorant or properly taught, who are connected with the medical 
treatment of cattle. He, perhaps, meant no insult : we can imagine 
the peculiar and honest laugh with which these words were accom- 
panied — we know the kind heart of him who uttered them ,* but, 
spoken without one word of explanation, without any distinction 
being drawn between the worthy and the unworthy, they are cal- 
culated to do lasting if not irreparable mischief to the veterinary 
profession. 
We indignantly enter our protest against the adoption of such 
language in such a connexion and in such circumstances . We 
see plainly enough the effect that will be produced by it, far 
and wide ; yet we say to our brethren, Do not be seduced to adopt 
any line of conduct injurious to the agricultural interests and 
your own. Fearlessly shew yourselves at the meetings of this 
society. Take an honourable but decided part in its proceedings, 
and your honest worth and value will, ere long, be fully recog" 
nized. r 
