THE EVIL OF EMPIRICISM. 
261 
opening as they do a somewhat new and wide field for future 
investigation. When we reflect that eight animals have been 
destroyed by this fungoid parasite, and also on the small 
quantity of it and the short space of time sufficient to bring 
about these fatal results, and come to consider that at certain 
seasons of the year the atmosphere is loaded with these 
vegetable germs, ready to grow wherever they meet with cir¬ 
cumstances favorable to their development, we shall not 
be surprised if this unseen enemy be more frequently pro¬ 
ducing its injurious and fatal effects than we have hitherto 
had reason to suppose. Nor is one class of plants or animals 
alone affected, as nearly all our plants in certain seasons 
are more or less attacked by these vegetable parasitic 
growths. I shall have again to refer to this very interesting 
subject, when considering the poisonous plants; in the mean 
time I hope it will not be lost sight of by the profession, but 
receive that attention which its importance deserves. 
(To he continuer/.) 
THE EVIL OF EMPIRICISM AS CONNECTED 
WITH THE VETERINARY PROFESSION. 
By George Bodington, M.R.C.V.S., Canton, Cardiff. 
In the number of the Veterinarian for the 1st of April is a 
letter headed as above, by Mr. Elam, the truths of which 
must be patent to every one. It is, indeed, high time 
that some steps were taken, particularly by the members of 
the profession, whose labours are devoted to country prac¬ 
tice, to awaken in the minds of our representatives in London, 
our President and Council, together with the lately formed 
Committee—the necessity, nay, the imperative duty of 
seriously and unflinchingly adopting every measure which 
shall protect us from the state of things which Mr. Elam has 
so vividly portrayed. There are many, very many, who can 
fully corroborate all he has said on this important subject. 
That the committee will do all they can I have no doubt, 
but the matter must not rest with them alone. The whole 
professional body is deeply concerned in the question, 
and I would urge upon every individual M.R.C.V.S. to be 
“ ujo and doingV We must not be afraid to agitate the ques¬ 
tion, until we find we are not only listened to, but our 
grievances are relieved, for depend upon it, as Mr. Elam 
