630 
INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
and then, again, to observe the expression of his thanks to 
his teachers for the assistance they have afforded him, is, I 
have often thought, sufficient to repay us for our exertions in 
his behalf, and to excite in our breasts fresh inducements to 
labour for those who are to succeed him. To continue the 
description of the picture I have drawn, we must follow the 
successful pupil into practice. Some few are desirous of 
being army veterinary surgeons, others wish to locate them¬ 
selves in large towns, but the majority perhaps return to the 
country. As a rule, in either of these localities they are suc¬ 
cessful. 
Those who desire to get into the army, and are fortunate 
in obtaining appointments, are thrown more especially into 
the society of gentlemen, among whom they often find per¬ 
sonal friends, and at the end of a certain period, well spent in 
such service, they are rewarded by a pension for life. 
To show how the veterinary surgeon in the army is 
appreciated and respected, I may state that it was only a few 
days ago that I heard an officer, who had just returned from 
India, allude to the veterinary surgeon of his regiment in the 
highest possible terms. In speaking of his professional 
capabilities, he expressed himself somewhat as follows;— 
“ He thought they were of a superior order; and, as an 
honorable, upright man, he felt sure he was not surpassed by 
any one, either in the army or out of it.” He further added 
that “ such was the general opinion of all the officers of his 
regiment, and of others also who knew him.” Reports like 
these of members of our profession reflect credit upon the 
whole body, and should act as a powerful stimulus to others 
to merit similar approbation. The same good report, I have 
no doubt, could be made of many others connected with the 
army, and highly gratifying it doubtless is to their principal 
veterinary surgeon, who, I observe, has honoured us with his 
company on this occasion. 
Those who remain in large towns generally have the most 
lucrative practices, but they have to work hard; nevertheless 
they have their reward, as many of them are able to retire 
early from the turmoils of professional life, surrounded by 
friends, and with an income sufficient to meet all reasonable 
wants. 
Now let us follow those who return to the country, where, 
as a rule, they are equally successful. The nobleman, 
on his large estate, is generally glad to find that a man 
of ability is in his neighbourhood, and will speak of him 
as an acquisition to that part of the country. The agricul¬ 
turist thinks himself fortunate in having the advantage of 
