636 
INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
And now a word on the period of time which must be 
spent in the acquirement of knowledge, before presenting 
yourselves for examination in accordance with the regula¬ 
tions of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons—two 
sessions, or, as it may be said, nearly two years. This may 
seem to some a long time, but you will find it little enough 
for ali the work you have to do, even if each session is 
honestly devoted to its purpose. Many, alas! fearfully 
shorten the period by their negligences ; and then, by their 
rejection by the Court of Examiners, they have to reap the 
fruit of their misspent hours. Let such be the case with 
none of you. 
Some among us who look for change and progress in 
accordance with the spirit of the times in which we live, 
have desired that the period of study should be extended, or 
at least that the pupils who have not enjoyed the advantage 
of being previously placed with a veterinary surgeon should 
devote a third session to their studies. This suggestion, 
simple and consistent as it may seem, cannot as yet be 
adopted, for it forms but an item of a scheme of great 
changes, the time for which is not come, and the desir¬ 
ability of which I must leave to others to determine. The 
union which exists between this institution and the Royal 
College of Veterinary Surgeons, and which has never been 
completely severed, although at times greatly endangered by 
conflicting interests, does not depend on any alterations in 
the curriculum of your studies. The desire of all appears 
to be that science, instead of being opposed in her pro¬ 
gress by the contending elements of discord, may be allowed 
to pursue her way amidst the alluring paths of peace, as by 
this alone all are convinced that her votaries can beadvantaged. 
I proceed to the last part of my subject —the encourage¬ 
ments ivhich are held out for perseverance. Here I must be ex¬ 
ceedingly brief, as I am reminded that time passeth by on the 
wings of the wind. It was rightly observed by Professor 
Spooner, in his inaugural address of last year, that “you 
have the prestige of your name and fame committed to your 
own hands.” As a profession, there are few honours to look 
forward to, beyond the one of a life well spent in the per¬ 
formance of duty. Nor do great riches await you: still, 
a competency is the sure reward of labour, and a good stand¬ 
ing in society a certain consequence of honour and integrity. 
As an incorporated profession, some of you perchance may 
rise to be members of its council, vice-presidents, or even 
president; for there are no barriers here, save such as are 
created by the members of the body corporate themselves. 
