ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE. 
293 
duct we should pursue in after-life, when we leave this institution, and are 
carrying out these principles in practice. They have trodden the path 
of life before us, and have seen the quicksands which so thickly beset the 
way, against which we are carefully warned; at the same time they remind 
us that the expenses of our professional education and the expectations of 
the public call upon us to search for true knowledge, that we may thereby 
fulfil our duty towards them, shed honour on the profession, and finally, 
after the necessary toils of life, retire into the bosom of our families honoured 
and respected. And if I might be permitted to condense into a few words 
their kind and faithful advice, it would be in the following way: 
It is not the mere attainment of our diplomas, or being enrolled on the 
list of veterinary surgeons, which we should entirely aim at, although this 
in itself must be considered a very honorable position, a position which all 
who have obtained may well feel proud of, as it gains for us a standing and 
gives us confidence; but we should consider this as the starting point in 
our professional career. Yet unless our subsequent conduct be upright, we 
cannot maintain that status in society which it is our privilege to enjoy. 
We should always remember that he who acts his part well is more truly 
dignified, though his rank be lower, than he who stands upon a pinnacle but 
fails in the duties of his elevated station. 
What is true honour? Not riches, not rank, not beauty, not learning, 
not courage; no, but virtue, whether it be clad in the garb of poverty or 
the robe of affluence, whether it hold the plough or grasp the sceptre, 
whether it be seated at the table or standing behind the chair. “Virtue is 
honour.” Let us all write these sentiments on our minds, and ever act 
upon them as the prevailing principles of our conduct, and, in the language 
of the poet, remember— 
“ Virtue, not rolliug suns, 
The mind of man matures : 
The man of wisdom is the man of years.” 
With these remarks I will resume the object which we have more parti¬ 
cularly in view this evening. 
Approaching seasons forcibly remind us that the wheel of time is swiftly 
rolling on ; and as it passes it brings many changes, some of which are highly 
conducive to our happiness, while others are attended with a corresponding 
amount of anxiety and depression; and I am sorry to say even the plea¬ 
sures of this meeting are mingled with those of deep regret, as it is the last 
time we shall have an opportunity of expressing our gratitude to Professor 
Morton as a teacher in this institution, impaired health having compelled 
him to retire from active life. 
It is not that our worthy teacher has grown weary in the researches of 
science, nor that he has a less desire to benefit the student or advance the 
profession than ever he had, for we truly believe, instead of time detracting 
from this, it has tended to develop and mature those feelings, and at the 
present moment they are glowing more ardently than ever. But health is 
one of the greatest blessings this world can afford; hence it becomes, in¬ 
deed Jt is imperative, on all to take every precaution to preserve it. And 
although this is a change which to our teacher is most painful, and which 
we as a class most deeply regret, yet it is highly pleasing to know that our 
respected friend is retiring with the good wishes of all, rich in professional 
honours. 
And while we offer our sincere thanks for the zealous manner in which, 
sir, you have carried out all matters connected with the profession, we would 
at the same time warmly congratulate you on the success with which those 
labours have been attended. Be assured, sir, your kindness will ever be 
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