66 
GRIEVANCES OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
the burthen; and therefore, by raising the frog from the ground 
it is rendered passive, and the foot is deprived of this elastic prop. 
I am convinced that a sound horse with narrow heels (if ma¬ 
naged in the way I have just described) may be preserved free 
from the navicular disease to the latest period of life. 
By taking all these precautions, with the continuance of gentle 
motion in a loose stable, the hoof will become elastic, and its 
elasticity preserved; the sole and bars, not acquiring an undue 
thickness, will be at all times susceptible of the natural impression 
from the coffin and navicular bones, and will yield under the su¬ 
perincumbent weight, and give room for the navicular bone and 
tendon not only to descend obliquely backwards, but also leave 
free space for the back action or pulley-like motion of the tendon 
against the bone at the instant the flexor perforans muscle, by its 
powerful contraction, lifts the foot again from the ground. Thus 
the partial pressure or contraction on this important joint being 
prevented, the general contraction of the hoof is rendered compa¬ 
ratively harmless. 
d^° The next paper which I shall have the honour of reading to this Society 
will be on the symptoms and treatment of this .disease, and I have the satisfaction 
of adding, its cure ; but in making the last bold assertion, I am anxious to be 
understood as referring to recent cases of navicular disease. 
GRIEVANCES OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
By Mr . Langworthy. 
Mr. Editor, 
I HAVE always considered, that, when old maxims do not 
succeed, no time should be lost in the adoption of new ones; and 
we are taught, “ that which may be done to-day, ought not to be 
left for to-morrow.” It is from that feeling I now address you. 
I think, upon looking over every number of The Veterinarian, 
that a considerable portion of their contents are upon one sub¬ 
ject, and that is, the abuses and mismanagement existing at the 
Royal Veterinary College ; and I am not aware, that all that has 
been written (and some of it is tolerably plain) has in the least 
tended to amend what justice to the profession so strongly de¬ 
mands. 
The last year has passed, and words only have been used ; let 
something more be done this year. Let Veterinarians unite (for it 
should be recollected that a divided house must fall), and I am 
convinced we may accomplish, as a body, that which is impossible 
individually. Let us, I say, join heart, hand, and purse, and 
