610 ARMY VETLRINAKY {tURGIiON IN INDIA. 
I have not said a word here about any pocket-money for the 
veterinary surgeon; these items are the mere necessaries of life. 
The veterinary surgeon receives, in addition to the above, 
a sum of two annas per horse, for supplying medicine, both 
the European and native, bandages, &c., about R 8.62 8 a. 
The strength of a regiment is about five hundred. Expenses of 
European medicines, bazaar medicine, bandages, &c., at about 
two annas per horse, Rs .62 8 a. Neither have I taken into 
account the deterioration in value of horses. Two respectable 
chargers and a good pony would not be procured at the 
present time much under £ 200 ; nor have I allowed for such 
an unfortunate thing as a charger dying, and such things do 
happen sometimes, even to a veterinary surgeon. I have 
been also careful to keep under the mark in estimating the 
probable monthly expenditure. 
Now, this is about a fair estimate of accounts. ‘ If our 
young friend has no private means, what can he do but get 
in debt; and when in debt, when is he likely to see England 
again, or cease to be in debt? These are things I trust 
young gentlemen will think well of before entering the army. 
A veterinary surgeon is badly enough used at home, in the 
way of pay &c., but in India ten times worse. In England 
he is found in servants for a very small sum ; in India they 
are very expensive. He likewise, in England, receives his 
fuel, candles, house, &c.; in India this all has to come out 
of his pay of Rs.319 13a. lOp. I am afraid I shall weary 
you with these details, but I could not avoid it. 
I have made no mention of expenses of uniform, &c., not 
a small item, but difficult to estimate correctly. I do sin¬ 
cerely hope that our indefatigable and talented Principal 
Veterinary Surgeon will take the case of the poor Indian 
veterinary surgeon in hand. It is to him, I think, our hopes 
should be turned. Right well has he proved himself the 
right man in the right place,^^ and a friend to the members 
of a profession of which he is an ornament. 
The pay of a veterinary surgeon, even if he be not pro¬ 
moted to first class, is IH. 6 r/. per diem, or £l 7 I 65 . Qd, per 
mensem. The pay and Indian allowances of a veterinary 
surgeon are £13 IO 5 ., exclusive of what he receives to keep 
his horses on, pay his house rent and tentage, &c. Out of 
these allowances he makes very little profit; in fact, houses 
often cost more than the allowance amounts to. 
If he be made first class, his pay in England is £19 Is* Qd .; 
his pay and Indian allowances still amount only to £13 10 <s. 
during the first ten years of his service. Veterinary surgeons, 
again I say—do not come to India. 
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