384 
THE IMPROVEMENT OF 
tent to the task—a good horse anatomist—well acquainted with 
the formation of cattle and sheep—in the daily and long and 
pleasing habit of comparing the difference of structure in each 
according to its destiny and its use—and the admirable adapta¬ 
tion of every part to its precise purpose. In the whole list of 
veterinary surgeons is no such man to be found ? Has not every 
reader one, at least, if not more, in his mind’s eye, altogether 
competent to fill up the chasms that have hitherto existed—and 
that exist at the present day—in the College system of vete¬ 
rinary education, with reference to the anatomy and physiology 
of our ruminant, and omnivorous, and carnivorous patients, and 
competent also to unfold the nature, and causes, and successful 
treatment of some of those diseases which annually destroy hun¬ 
dreds of thousands of our most valuable animals? 
We confess that we should have no diflBculty in pointing out 
the man who, if he could be induced to make the attempt, 
would work all this perfectly out. 
We are not confining ourselves to the duties of the office that 
has been lately vacated, so far as they have hitherto been dis- 
char^red. We are considering the new field of exertion, of use- 
fulness, and of honour which is unfolding itself, and which could 
by no one be better occupied than by this officer: or chiefly we 
refer to the imperious necessity of attending to duties which 
should not have been so long neglected. 
If they who have the management of our national school arc 
wise in their generation, they will seriously regard the events of 
the passing day. On the steps which in the course of a few 
months must be taken depend the future prosperity and honour 
of the institution. Let them honestly “ take measures for im¬ 
proving the veterinary art as apj)lied to cattle and sheep,” and 
their reputation and well-being are established beyond the reach 
of malice or of accident. Let the student be perfectly instructed 
in every branch of his profession, and their school will increase 
with a rapidity and to an extent of which they at present little 
dream : but let them palter with their pupils, their veterinary 
brethren, and the united agricultural body ; let them 
Palter with these in a double sense. 
Keeping the word of promise to the ear, 
And breaking it to the hope. 
