EDITORIAL O B S li It VAT 10 N S. 
585 
others, to those who have devoted a considerable portion of 
the earlier period of their lives to study, and who are still 
desirous of making principles their guide and reasons for 
acting. On this account they must be contented to be 
throughout life a student, early and late acquiring infor¬ 
mation connected with their division of science—for ever 
learning, and yet leaving much unknown. 
Nor for a moment can we entertain the idea that a 
qualified examination, so as to meet the wishes of these can¬ 
didates, can be instituted. That would be to alter the cha¬ 
racter of the Board of Examiners altogether. It is not 
likely that persons of scientific acquirements can be expected 
to sit in judgment on men whose lives have been devoted to 
simple practice, however successful it might have been, and 
who are not conversant with governing principles, for an 
inquiry into these must ever constitute the greater part of a 
scientific examination. But after all, can the request be 
consistently conceded ? The schools and the profession con¬ 
stitute one incorporated body. The Council, it is true, can 
make bye-laws, but that they will do only for the good of the 
body; and we confess that we fear the consequences of such 
an infusion as that we are referring to. We are, however, 
very glad to know that we are in possession of that which 
is worth being participated in;—nevertheless we would not 
that some persons should have it on easier terms than others. 
Let all pursue the same legitimate means, and may success 
attend all. 
“ Suum quique.” 
THE EXISTING OUTBREAK OE THE SMALLPOX OE SHEEP. 
The unexpected appearance of smallpox among the sheep 
in Wiltshire has, as might be expected, created a consider¬ 
able amount of anxiety, more especially in the agricultural 
community. The remembrance of the past recalls the 
serious losses which were sustained, and the expense, care, 
and trouble, that all had to endure whose flocks became 
affected. The sad scenes of 1817-48, -49 and -50, rise 
