326 ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE/ 
tions—there are many most respectable men, who aie an honour, 
to their profession ; but there are others who are no credit to it, 
and who have not two ideas on any subject whatever. I am of 
opinion with Mr. Coleman, and the medical committee, that 
something is necessary to be done. It should be rendered as¬ 
sured that none should go forth but those who are competent, 
and who will confer honour on their profession. 
Mr. Sibbald. —What is to prevent the Professor and Assis¬ 
tant-professor and present examining committee from adding one 
or two veterinary surgeons to their number. Is there any law to 
prevent this. If the examination by veterinary surgeons be of 
such essential and vital importance, this is the way to effect it. 
A great deal of odium has been cast on country practitioners. 
They do not deserve it. There may be difference in attainments, 
and difference in early education, but the mode of examination is 
the same. For aught I know, the town veterinarians may be 
a slovenly set. I have seen and heard of operations performed 
by some of them not very creditable. A diploma is not so easy 
a matter to obtain as has been described. I defy any one to 
obtain it for half a crown. . The country practitioner is not more 
likely to mistake an artery for a vein than the town surgeon. 
Mr. Bunbury.— I, sir, am a country practitioner, and a 
member of the College. I know many who have gained them¬ 
selves great credit. They are a worthy class of practitioners. They 
see a greater variety of practice than the town surgeons can do, 
and are on some points as well informed as the best of their 
brethren. 
Mr. Child. —I have been altogether mistaken. I never 
meant to cast reflections on the country practitioners. I know 
that many, the majority of them, are highly respectable; but 
there are some who are no credit to their profession. This, how¬ 
ever, is not the question. The object of the motion is, the con¬ 
stitution of the examining committee ; and whether or not it re¬ 
quires alteration. Mr. Sibbald has asked, why are not some 
veterinarians added to the present committee ? A very proper 
question. It would be all that a reasonable man would require. 
There is, however, a bye-law against this. It has been asked— 
respectfully asked, and refused. Then we were told to ask for 
the appointment of a separate committee of veterinary surgeons, 
and the onlv difficulty is, whether the pupil should appear before 
the one or the other. Mr. Coleman and the present committee 
have strenuously recommended the appointment of the second 
committee. Will you now oppose their opinion ? Will you re¬ 
flect on their judgment ? They have said that something is neces¬ 
sary to be done. Will you tell them that their proposition is use- 
