84 
ARMY VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
time, I had no difficulty in opening his mouth, or in giving 
him a ball, without an iron ; and although he had no power 
to open his mouth himself, it was always quickly shut when 
liberated from the hand. The horse, as the owner informed 
us, had always been in the habit, when on the road, of bear- 
ing to the left side ; and that, for some time previous to his 
last sickness, he was with difficulty kept in the road. This 
information rather strengthened the diagnosis of my friends, 
viz., “ disease of the brain.” But, upon examination, this 
organ proved to be perfectly healthy. 
ARMY VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
By “ Action.” 
In last month’s publication I perceive there is a letter 
signed “ Paterfamilias,” relating to army veterinary surgeons, 
and I cannot help acknowledging the general truthfulness of 
his “researches.” However, there are some items men- 
tioned, respecting which a somewhat erroneous impression 
has been made. 
A probationary veterinary surgeon receives 85 . per diem, 
the sole deduction being the income tax ; and his com- 
mission will bear date from his first entering the service, so 
that he is better off as a probationer than he would be if 
gazetted; that is, until his three years have expired. As 
regards clothing for servants, a veterinary surgeon, if he 
dines at mess, will be very fortunate in getting off with only 
two suits for his batman. 
There are two minor expenses on joining “ Paterfamilias” 
has omitted, 305. to be paid for stamp on commission, and 
48.?. for a pocket case of instruments. 
I fully concur in the opinion entertained by “Paterfamilias” 
relative to the inadequate remuneration to an army veterinary 
surgeon for the expenditure incidental to the appointment, 
and if we take into consideration the amount of property 
(about £40,000) that he is responsible for; and should we 
put the troop horse, figuratively speaking, in the pecuniary 
balance with the dragoon, we find the preponderance some- 
what in favour of the former; therefore these facts, coupled 
with others of less importance, have justly occasioned army 
veterinary surgeons to expect something to be done to better 
their position ; and I quite agree with you, Messrs. Editors, 
