562 
THE TITLE OF VETERINARY SURGEON. 
strongly urged on the council the necessity of occasionally 
publishing the names of all duly qualified members of the 
profession in one or more of our leading metropolitan 
journals, but I much fear that such a mode would be found 
more expensive than remedial. Rather, I would suggest, 
that as our f Register’ is now published in a cheap form, 
that, under the superintendence of a committee, a copy of it 
be sent to each commanding officer of all the regiments of 
cavalry, to all masters of fox-hounds, and to the secretaries of 
our leading agricultural societies; and further, if all the 
registered members would provide themselves with a few 
copies, and place them in conspicuous places in their es¬ 
tablishments, I think that this might work some good. 
Much of late years has been advanced respecting the ne¬ 
cessity of an extended education of the veterinary pupil, so 
as to enable him to meet the requirements of the agricultural 
community. This also, very wisely, forms one of the promi¬ 
nent features of their leading society—the Royal Agricultural 
Society of England. Now, through the increase and excel¬ 
lency of the staff of our London school, much has been 
accomplished towards this; but, I would ask, does the pupil, 
when thus prepared and qualified, meet with that encourage¬ 
ment he has a just right to expect? Does he get “ value 
received” for his outlay? I fear not. Are there not those, 
from whom we ought to expect better things, who still employ 
such persons as I have described, and that with a full 
knowledge of their antecedents, and lack of education ? 
Are there not even some who have listened with delight to 
the annual orations of one of yourselves, Messrs. Editors, 
and who, instead of showing their interest in the profession 
by patronising those whose education you have partly super¬ 
intended, adopt such a system of dictation to those they 
employ as the educated man would not, could not, submit to? 
It may be said that talent will be sure ultimately to succeed. 
But both you and I have lived long enough in the world to 
have occasionally seen ignorance and impudence distance 
unobtrusive talent in the race, and cause it to retire in dis¬ 
gust from the contest. 
You tell us that our army brethren are likely soon to have 
their constitution improved. 1 trust such may be followed 
by an equal thoughtfulness for the civil portion of the pro¬ 
fession. At all events it is high time that we respectfully 
but firmly demand to be acknowledged and recognised as a pro¬ 
fessional body. For this we have prayed in vain long enough. 
