SOUNDNESS AND UNSOUNDNESS. 
125 
a bright red hue, from vascular turgescence. On the larger 
septa of the reticulated or cell-like structure of the second 
stomach this increased vascularity was most apparent, but 
it was somewhat singular that it did not extend to the 
bottom of the cells, or the smaller septa existing there. The 
general surface of the mucous coat of the rumen, as well as 
the papillae, however, participated in the change of colour 
met with in that viscus.] 
ON SOUNDNESS AND UNSOUNDNESS. 
By J. B. Henderson, M.R.C.V.S., London. 
A Gordian knot has lately been presented to the pro- 
fession, with the intention, of course, of getting its intricacies 
unravelled. I mean the question relative to “Soundness” 
of horses. And certainly the best way to come to a conclu- 
sion on any disputed subject is that of comparing as many 
opinions together as can possibly be collected. 
The desire of improving the status of a profession is a very 
praiseworthy object ; for it not only benefits that profession, 
but also the community at large, who are in a measure 
dependent on it; and if by drawing up a “Form” as pro- 
posed, a light is thrown upon this seemingly dark subject, 
we ought to feel greatly indebted to those who have so 
kindly given their thought and labour to its attainment, 
and all interested should render every assistance towards its 
accomplishment. 
But supposing an association is formed, and the opinions 
of every veterinary surgeon (of a certain amount of expe- 
rience) are received upon this important topic, and rules are 
deduced from these several opinions, will it not have the 
effect of setting aside the value of the opinions of many 
veterinary surgeons who have, as it were, attained to a 
degree of eminence in courts of justice? 
The chief object proposed to be brought about is an 
unanimity of opinion on subjects relative to “ Soundness and 
Unsoundness,” which shall serve as a reference when actions 
at law are pending on disputed cases. Now r it appears to 
me, and I have no doubt many will think as I do, that the 
opinion of one clever veterinary surgeon, w 7 ho has seen the 
subject of dispute, is more likely to be right than the law 
which may be contained in the code relative to this par- 
ticular case drawn up by all the veterinary surgeons in the 
