240 REVIEW.-BRIDGEWATER TREATISES, NO. 8. 
Nor in these respects only are the two great systems of organi- 
zatioij mutually dependent; for unless plants consumed the 
carbonic acid gas which is formed by animals, the deleterious 
compound would probably accumulate in the atmosphere, so as 
to destroy animal life ; while it is doubtful whether the present 
race of vegetables could exist if carbonic acid gas were not formed 
by animals. 
Again, the general scheme of Providence for the nourish¬ 
ment of animals claims our especial notice. Animals have not 
only been destined to prey on each other, but all created 
beings are the food of those progressively higher than them¬ 
selves in the scale of organization. By this wise arrangement, 
the labour of the assimilating power has been greatly diminished; 
and by the same means, that accumulation of dead animal re¬ 
mains, which soon w^ould be overwhelming, is entirely prevented. 
To the veterinary pupil we particularly recommend the study 
of this work of Dr. Prout’s. The times are altered from what 
they were formerly. A veterinary surgeon is now expected to be a 
scientific man, and the practice of our science cannot any longer 
be entrusted to ignorant pretenders. The present is an age rich 
with discoveries that distribute the blessings of freedom and 
power. Modern veterinary medicine differs from the ancient in 
this ;—the ancient was nothing but conjecture—the modern is 
distinguished by facts drawn from legitimate inferences. The 
study of the veterinary pupil must, therefore, be directed for the 
future not only to anatomy and physiology, but to chemistry. 
k. 
TO CORRESPONDENTS. 
We acknowledge the receipt of Communications on various matters, 
practical and personal, from Messrs. Baker, Barker, Bisset, Cleland, Fuller, 
Godwin, Holmes, Read, Sinclair, Toombs, Williams, and several anonymous 
correspondents (why anonymous ?): they shall receive due attention. 
The Spring Dinner of the Veterinary Club will take place at the King’s 
Arms, Bridge Street, Westminster, on Thursday, April the 16th, at Half¬ 
past Five o’clock, precisely. Tickets 20s. In accordance with the prin¬ 
ciple on which the society is founded—the promotion of good feeling among 
the members of the same profession—the spring dinner has usually been 
an open one. 
The Club will be happy to see any of their brethren, or the friends of the 
profession, on that day, provided they will have the kindness to send a notice 
to the Secretary, at the Bar of the Tavern, on or before the noon of Tuesday, 
the 14th. 
