350 ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
Mr. Field seconded the proposition in a speech of much 
good feeling, and expressive of sincere wishes for the in- 
creased prosperity of the college. He felt assured that by 
the election of Professor Spooner all would be realised that 
had been so well expressed by Mr. Turner, to whose obser- 
vations, he did not think it necessary to add a word beyond 
stating his perfect concurrence in them. 
Mr. Cherry regretted being obliged to oppose two gentle- 
men standing so high in the profession as the proposer and 
seconder of the motion, but he did so on principle. There 
were older members in the profession than Professor Spooner, 
and men probably of equal talent. Besides, he thought it 
would be well to look farther than London, and take one 
from among the country practitioners as president. There 
had been, he thought, too great a disposition on the part of 
the council to make their selection from among the metro- 
politan members. It might to some appear invidious to 
mention names, but he would propose Mr. Burley, who 
passed in 1815, a gentleman w 7 ell kn-own to them all. He 
was contented to w'ait for a seconder. 
Mr. Gawyee seconded the proposition, disclaiming all prer 
concerted arrangement with Mr. Cherry, and averring that it 
w 7 as not out of any disrespect towards Professor Spooner, but 
because he agreed with the views taken by Mr. Cherry. 
Immediately Mr. Burley rose, and said he would at 
once relieve their minds by declaring that it w T as not his in- 
tention to accept the office. He confessed himself some- 
what surprised at the proposition being made, but at the 
same time felt highly complimented. He thought with 
Mr. Cherry that the country practitioners should not be 
overlooked by them, and that age and standing in the pro- 
fession should have their due weight in the selection of one 
of their body as a president. All present knew that many 
men of talent were engaged in country practice ; some of them 
w r ere on the council, and they devoted much of their time in 
coming to these meetings, and year after year w^ere found 
at their post. But he begged the motion might not be 
pressed. On such an occasion as this there should be no 
division, and he felt convinced that the election would justly 
fall on Professor Spooner. 
Mr. Ernes , in explanation, said that only three presidents 
had been chosen from the metropolitan members. He was 
not inclined to accept mere seniority as fitness for office, for 
then the election would resolve itself into one of routine, 
each succeeding the other according to age. There were other 
and more essential requisites for the presidentship. * 
