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ADVICE TO VETERINARY STUDENTS 
By John Roberts, Esq., V.S., South Molton. 
Gentlemen,—I FEEL some diffidence in approaching the columns 
of this highly useful publication, because I read it to learn. I am 
fearful any communication of mine would be little valued by the 
scientific readers of The Veterinarian, and therefore, in order 
to ease my conscience for my long silence, I beg to offer a few 
words of Advice to Veterinary Students,” to whom I trust they 
will not be altogether unacceptable or unprofitable. 
I will commence by stating, that in the year 1812 I was ap¬ 
prenticed for five years to the late Mr. White, of Exeter, too well 
known in the veterinary and sporting world to need any further 
remark upon his qualifications to instruct, as instructions were then 
given; but the former times are passing away. After that 1 went 
to London, and graduated; and subsequently settled in the north 
of Devon, and am proud to say 1 remain, respected and happy. 
I am still in practice, and have been patronized by very many 
highly influential persons. 1 was veterinary surgeon to the North 
Devon Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalry sixteen years, from which 
1 retired five years ago. I mention these particulars to produce 
(which I hope it will) a deeper and more lasting impression upon 
the minds of my young friends qualifying for the veterinary art. 
I, from never having studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, or 
pharmacy, as connected with the diseases of any other domesticated 
animal but the horse (which has always been my hobby), never 
received one shilling for my attendance upon them when required. 
Some one may ask me. Why not attend cattle I My answer al¬ 
ways has been, and ever must be, I never studied their diseases, 
and consequently feel disqualified to undertake the medical care of 
them. 
Judge, ye young vets., how many hundreds of pounds I must 
have been minus by this omission in my early veterinary educa¬ 
tion, and give the subject the consideration which it so highly 
merits. You will then feel the necessity — the absolute neces¬ 
sity—of making yourselves acquainted with the duties of a vete¬ 
rinary surgeon in all its varied branches. It may seem hard to 
prevent your enjoyment of some hours you would otherwise devote 
to social amusement; but your ultimate reward will adequately 
compensate. 
A gentleman, not four miles from my residence, sold a few 
months since a young bull not two years old for 100 guineas. 
Surely such an animal would be as likely to require veterinary 
