]84 
“ A FARRIER” IN REPLY TO MR. LANGWORTHY. 
15th April. 1829. 
Sir, 
I SHOULD have said, “ hastily expressed thoughts,” and with 
that alteration my last letter may live as it may under the wrath 
of Mr. Langworthy’s splendid critique. Controversy at this time 
will I none. Considering the Parliamentary party not likely to 
obtain many proselytes from the higher ranks of our profession; 
and though every schism must, in some degree, weaken the cause, 
much harm cannot surely accrue from this. 
What man would have recourse to the “ last remedy” when 
the symptoms of disease are yielding to mild treatment ? u We 
stop the press,” you say, “ to announce that the competent au¬ 
thorities at the Veterinary College have determined to enforce a 
longer residence at that school by every pupil.” Is not this the 
first, the main thing sought ? Is not this laying the axe to the 
root of the evil ? Why not admit us to the board of examiners ? 
Fair and softly, Sir; Pome was not built in a day. The import¬ 
ance of the profession is not yet universally known or admit¬ 
ted. I consider that the Veterinary Medical Society has first 
brought it fairly before the tribunal of public opinion; and it need 
not blush at the proceedings of its first session, or tremble-for the 
result. While the communications of a “ Non Eligible,” and 
many other of your correspondents, and the skill and anatomical 
knowledge of several of the members of the Society are known 
and applauded by our elder brothers, the surgeons, and prove our 
profession to contain those with whom gentlemen can associate, 
and from whom men of science may derive instruction, I would 
say of them what Scott has said of his burghers,— 
More deadly far their ire 
Than they who, scorning danger’s name, 
In hasty flood to battle came ; 
Their valour, like light straw or flame, 
A fierce, but fading fire. 
On this foundation I am content to rely for any change the 
College may require; well assured that the steady eight mile an 
hour 'trot will, in a long day, leave the galloper behind. I war 
not with men, but with opinions; if otherwise, ample space is 
given. My incognito I shall not relinquish, nor can any man 
fairly call on me to do so ; but I hold myself ready, at all times, 
to answer, in person, the misdeeds of, 
Sir, your obedient servant, 
A Farrier. 
