36 
EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
From time to time we have been called upon to insert- 
reports from the AYest of Scotland Veterinary Medicah 
Association; but where are those of our own ? Once we* 
took an active part in it, and it worked well. AVhat doth 
now hinder it? It should not be forgotten that knowledge, 
like light, is of little use if restricted in its influence and. 
confined. It is a mistaken notion that good is gained by 
exclusiveness, and quite unworthy men of science. 
It may be that some think but lightly of our labours 
yet we confess to have from time to time experienced much- 
gratification in the performance of them, on account of the 
support, already referred to, that we have received, and the 
confidence our friends have placed in us. It is pleasant, too, 
not to loose the hold we have so long been favoured with by 
those who know us best. Still at times there has been some 
little anxiety when we have felt the weight of the respon- 
• sibility; nevertheless we have not shrunk from our duty, 
believing it to be associated with the best interests of the 
profession. It is ours to sow, even if it be for others to reap. 
Sow, for the hours are fleeting, 
And the seed must fall to-day ; 
And care not what hands shall reap it, 
Or if you shall have passed away 
Before the waving corn-fields 
Shall gladden the sunny day.” 
But we have not been without our reward. Some 
golden sheaves have been gathered in, as seen in the 
number of years we have been permitted to conduct this 
journal, and the assurances we continue to receive of support 
from our numerous readers. May no remissiiess on our 
part cause the forfeiture of this; but as experience maketli 
men wise, so may we through it find the pages of our peri¬ 
odical more than ever conducive to the end we have always 
kept in view—the onward progress of our art. 
At the present day there can be no question but that the 
pj» 0 gs—sometimes called the fourth estate is an impoitaut, 
if not the most important means for advancement, both pro¬ 
fessionally and otherwise. It is a mighty engine, and in 
proportion as we recognise its utility, so should we endeavour 
to increase its usefulness. It is, therefore, to be regretted 
