ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 363 
more than another it is Mr. Braby. You well know that 
Mr. Gabriel, through ill health, was prevented from dis¬ 
charging the duties of his office. You know the way in 
which lie has always discharged them. You know how he 
has been identified with you from the earliest period of your 
Charter. I can speak of his constant attendance at your 
meetings, for I have had the honour of a seat at your Board 
for twelve years, and have travelled many thousands of miles 
to attend to the duties of the office, expecting and desiring 
no advantage beyond the honour you have conferred upon 
me. My friend Professor Spooner recommended me to call 
a special meeting in consequence of Mr. Gabriel’s ill health— 
a most judicious line of policy. Mr. Braby then came for¬ 
ward and offered his services gratuitously to discharge the 
duties of Secretary, and I have to thank him for the admi¬ 
rable manner in which he filled that post in Mr. Gabriel’s 
absence. Gentlemen, I am often asked in my provincial 
circuit, (i What has the Charter done for us?” It is, 
perhaps, difficult to say; but I know what it is able to 
do for us. Parliament is now too much engaged with 
Reform and Free Trade to attend to us; but the time will 
arrive when we shall be able to secure all that is essential 
for us to obtain. Why should we have to dance attendance 
at Quarter Sessions and Assizes, kicking up our heels, four 
or five days, at our own expanse? (Laughter.) Look at 
the case of Mr. Mavor, who, when a man on the race-course 
took the liberty of poisoning his friend, was detained ten days 
or a fortnight on the jury. What woidd have been his posi¬ 
tion, with his extensive practice, if he had not had the ser¬ 
vices of his brother to attend to his professional duties? It 
is time we were released from such a position. We have the 
medical profession in our favour, and in canvassing the mem¬ 
bers of Parliament, I have not found a dissentient voice. It 
was said, the only thing we wanted was unanimity. Well, 
we have it; for although, as the report tells you, little has 
been done this season to call for comment, that little has 
been done with unanimity and good feeling. (Hear, hear.) 
I feel pleasure in stating that the School and the Council have 
worked harmoniously together. That is the way in which 
we are to obtain what we require; and as to the application 
to Parliament, I have no doubt it would be a great assistance 
to us. As to our losses I need sav but little, for you all 
feel them as well as myself. We have lost men who stood 
high in the Profession, not only for their scientific acquire¬ 
ments, but for their industry, zeal, and intelligence ; but we 
must not forget that we have others who will worthily fill 
their places. (Hear, hear.) In alluding to the old Pro- 
