IM AUGURAL ADDUESS. 
G47 
morbid specimens that may have been sent by practitioners. 
Essays are also read by its members, of which due notice is 
given ; and at the end of each session the essays are placed 
in the hands of the council of the Society, when the authors 
of those that are thought to contain sufficient merit are 
awarded certificates of honour. This association has a very 
extensive library, the books of which can be obtained on 
the terms mentioned in the copy of rules which is furnished 
to each member. I cannot but regret that its meetings of 
late years have not been better attended by practitioners. 
For the last few years it has been altogether in the hands of 
the pupiis ; and although much good has been derived from 
the discussions that have weekly taken place, I, nevertheless, 
must think that an admixture of practitioners and students 
would be mutually beneficial. A society of this kind deals 
with the intellect of its members, and the resources of the 
matured mind are thereby developed. The results of long 
experience, and observance of disease in all its phases, are 
brought to bear upon the discussions of the various subjects 
which, from time to time, are laid before its members. It 
might therefore be a focal point, from which the product ot 
deep thought, based upon practical experience, would emanate. 
Gentlemen, having pointed out, as briefly as time will 
permit, some of the most important points in the several 
divisions of your studies, let me now say a few words to you 
respecting your conduct while within these walls. These 
observations will embody thoughts and reflections, the result 
of many years’ experience among the students of veterinary 
medicine, and are offered with the best intentions, as guides 
to success. 
The class, as a rule, in many respects, is of a mixed cha¬ 
racter. In the first place, about one half have already been 
one session at the institution, and are therefore initiated into 
the ways of College life. The other part, who are but 
just entered, must find many things strange, and can 
scarcely comprehend what they are to do ; to these I say, let 
not this deter you from taking note of all you think in¬ 
teresting, and, like a traveller in a strange land, be stimu¬ 
lated by the novelty of what you observe. Seek the 
acquaintance of the senior pupils, who will be pleased to 
give you an}' information they can; ask questions of the 
professors whenever you require their aid; refer to your 
books, and you will soon find that all will become clear. 
Make arrangements for spending the whole of each day at 
the College, where your time may be profitably occupied. 
