EDITORIAL OBSERVATIONS. 
621 
have since far separated. The reminiscences they av/aken 
often call forth the nobler feelings of man^ and knit more 
intimately the bond of professional friendship. We wonld^ 
therefore, that at these anniversary meetings a goodly com- 
pany should continue to assemble, and an interchange of 
sentiments be freely entered upon. Too many opportunities 
for this purpose do not present themselves among us as a body, 
and hence the chilling formality that now and then is seen to 
exist. No hearty recognition, apparently, is given, but a seem¬ 
ing fear is manifested lest the bounds of etiquette should be 
overstepped. Let us not be mistaken—we have no wish to 
disregard the courtesies of society. Far from it, our feel¬ 
ings tend to the very opposite; but we are convinced that 
it is by a cordial union alone we are likely to enliance our 
social position, to elevate the profession of which we are mem¬ 
bers, and to show that no schism exists among us, but, on 
the contrary, a reciprocity of good will. Still it is no 
spasmodic or galvanic life we want, but social organic life 
pervading the whole mass. In the language of Burns, we 
would ask— 
‘‘ Should auld acquaintance be forgot ?” 
And we answer, no. It is true, the recurrence of these 
meetings reminds us of the swift passing away of time, and 
tells us also that we are a year older tlian we were ; neverthe" 
less this may prove a salutary admonition to most of us, since 
this world is not our home, it being only a probationary 
state for the employment of talents with which we have 
been entrusted; and although many of the events of life 
may be dream-like and fugacious, yet has each his allotted 
task to perform, and he only fulfils the end of his existence 
here who conscientiously and heartily does it. 
“ Labor ipse voluptas.” 
