EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
341 
which lead us to modify the remarks we otherwise should 
feel it our duty to make. Exceptional cases must not be 
too severely dealt with, unless they involve the sacrifice of a 
principle or are likely to be made a precedent for future pro¬ 
ceedings. These things cannot, we believe, occur again. 
The new Secretary will have much to do to bring matters into 
proper form, but we have no fear of his being found otherwise 
than equal to the task, nor can we doubt his determination to 
leave no effort untried to accomplish the desired end. We 
have already stated our resolve not to comment too severely 
on any part of “the Abstract,” but, nevertheless, we cannot 
refrain in the most friendly spirit from asking by what species 
of reasoning the lamented death of a deservedly distinguished 
French professor of veterinary medicine can be shown to 
belong to the Proceedings of our Council ? Surely it had no 
part or lot in the matter. Sincerely do we lament the loss 
that science in general has thereby sustained. It is, however, 
our duty, and we trust equally our desire, to be silent on the 
mysterious dispensations of an all-wise Providence. 
We regret that things foreign to the real matter of “ the 
O v O O 
proceedings” should be introduced. Let them be noted in 
the right manner, and at the right time, and we cannot say 
aught against it. 
O o 
To pass to our report of the meeting. 
On the motion of Mr. E. Stanley, seconded by Mr. Vines , 
the Report was received. 
Mr. Vines then called attention to the finances of the 
College. After nineteen years’ existence there was only a 
balance in favour of the funds of three or four hundred 
pounds; and if it had not been for the pupils’ fees, the 
corporation would now be in an insolvent condition. 
Mr. Ernes said the finances were in as bad a state as they 
could be; the income was reduced, and the expenditure 
increased; hence the state of their funds. 
Mr. Helmore said the finances might certainly be in a worse 
position, for there 'was a balance on the right side. With 
regard to the efforts about to be made to secure to members 
of the corporate body the exclusive privilege of assuming the 
title of veterinary surgeons, he wished to know whether any 
leniency was to be shown in favour of those who had entered 
the Veterinary College, but had not the good fortune to pass. 
