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THE VETERINARIAN, JUNE 1, 1858. 
Ne quid falsi dicere audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. 
Cicero. 
THE ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS OF THE PROFESSION. 
Doubtless our readers will expect from us some account 
of the proceedings at the annual meetings of the members 
of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. We have, 
therefore, subjoined fuller reports than has been cus- 
tomary with us, arising from their possessing, as we believe, 
more than ordinary interest. They w T ere likewise more 
numerously attended than usual, which we were pleased 
to see. We only regret that at all times the like ear- 
nestness is not manifested, as when some particular end 
or object is in view ; for were this the case, we should no 
longer doubt as to the standing of our profession, or its 
onward progress. 
It would almost seem as if the reverse of our motto were 
adopted by some among us. There is no reason why, as a 
body, we should not present a front almost as impenetrable 
as a Roman phalanx ; or be like the banyan tree of India, 
which sends forth numerous branches yearly, and these 
bending take root downwards, and springing upwards 
give to each other support, while at the same time they 
protect the parent stem. When shall we understand that our 
true strength lies in union ; and that both should increase as 
we increase in numbers? It is perhaps too much to expect 
that all should c( see eye to eye” in all things. Opinions will 
necessarily differ, and from this good oftentimes arises; but 
they should never be so pertinaciously adhered to as to become 
factious, since “ a kingdom divided against itself cannot 
stand.” While, then, a spirit of unity, and an honest deter- 
mination to act for the benefit of the whole, to the exclusion 
of mere personal interests, should always be our actuating 
xxxi. 44 
