TESTIMONIAL TO PROFESSOR MORTON. 
535 
on many occasions to be called upon to express, on behalf of my colleagues 
and myself, thanks for a similar honour to that which you have now con¬ 
ferred upon us. But, gentlemen, this occasion is one which is peculiar 
in itself. The circumstances connected with it in some respects call 
forth in my mind sentiments which are far from pleasurable. When I 
look on my left hand, and see seated by my side one with whom I have been 
associated through the whole of my professional career—when I see that 
esteemed friend, instead of standing by me and supporting me as a 
colleague, seated, it reminds me that I am robbed of the support of 
one who has ever rendered me the most able and earnest assistance. And 
it reminds me also that I am fast going on to those days when I shall no 
longer be able to exert my efforts for the advancement of the veterinary 
art. Gentlemen, deeply, however, as I feel this occasion to be sorrowful 
to me, at the same time I am happy to say that sorrow is mingled with 
pleasure. I am delighted to think that our worthy friend Professor 
Morton is enabled to retire from us—I was about to say almost in the 
bloom of youth (cheers), but if not so, certainly with those buoyant 
spirits, and that healthful physical energy which will enable him to enter 
upon private life, and to enjoy that rural society for which I have reason 
to know he has so long yearned, and to which I am sure he will at all 
times be welcomed as one of its brightest ornaments. At the same time 
I feel assured that I and my brother colleagues will in future be able to 
look upon him as a sincere and warm-hearted friend ; and that we shall 
at all times, with confidence, be able to appeal to him for that advice 
and support which he is so competent to give. Gentlemen, on behalf of 
my colleagues and myself, permit me to express to you our sincere 
thanks for the honour you have conferred upon us. We feel, as profes¬ 
sors in connection with the Veterinary College, that we hold a position 
which is in itself honorable, but it is also associated with high respon¬ 
sibilities. It is our anxious desire, in the exercise of our efforts to advance 
veterinary science, by teaching those who are aspiring to become 
members of it, so to impart to them the fundamental principles of 
science, as to enable them in after life to pursue the practical avocations 
to which they will be called with honour to themselves and with benefit 
to all who may employ them. We trust that we shall be enabled to 
carry on the instructions of the institution (although we have lost so able 
a colleague), in such a way as shall be creditable to ourselves, and that 
we shall not fail to promote the onward advancement of our Art, 
so as to secure for it that ultimate success which our friend Mr. 
Morton has said the veterinary profession has a right to aspire to. And 
what I mean by that success is, that the members of the profession shall 
obtain a position in connexion with society, and in the estimation of the 
public at large, which shall enable our profession to rank second only to 
the sister profession. That is the standing we ought to occupy, and that 
is the position we must, if we are true to ourselves, ultimately attain to. 
I may, however, observe, if we desire#to wipe away every existing pre¬ 
judice in the minds of the public against our calling, we must be careful 
to observe good-will towards each other, urbanity and gentlemanly bear¬ 
ing towards all, and to exercise more noble sentiments of humanity, and 
that industry of habit which should be considered as necessarily appertain¬ 
ing to every branch of the healing art. If, in a word, we would occupy 
a position to be honoured by those by whom we are surrounded, our suc¬ 
cess must in a great measure depend upon ourselves. Allow me, in con¬ 
clusion, again to thank you in behalf of my colleagues and myself, and 
to say that we trust we shall live long to meet you in associations like 
this, and that we shall ever merit your esteem and regard. (Cheers.) 
