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J. C. MICHENER. 
great care and close observation required to make correct 
diagnosis and prognosis, control our patients and satisfy our 
patrons in a business point of view. 
In real abilities required, we lose nothing when put in com¬ 
parison with the noblest of all professions. 
Our patients suffer from equally numerous and intricate dis¬ 
eases, require as skillful surgery, but fortunately they are mute. 
We must learn the symptoms of diseases. The language of every 
attitude and movement. 
We do not ask to have a pain located and described, but 
make it out for ourselves. Put the human and veterinary practi¬ 
tioner each in the field of the other and we would be at least 
equally successful. 
Prognosis is one of our essential acquirements, we must tell 
at the onset, the duration and result of the disease, the trouble 
and expense it will involve, the outcome of malformations, pre¬ 
dispositions, freaks of nature or odd behavior in order to give our 
clients sound advice from a business point of view. 
This required knowledge is not of the horse alone, but of all 
living creatures over which man has control. 
Who can mention a business requiring a more diversified 
knowledge, more close observation and better judgment? 
Skill is always appreciated. We honor the person who can 
do something beyond the capabilities of ordinary mortals, hence 
our profession opens a field of rare usefulness, honor and moderate 
profits, all of which lends rational abiding pleasure to our 
calling. 
As you practitioners well know, it is not all fair sailing, the 
difficulties are great and mistakes are censured unmercifully. 
Fortunate that it is so. It teaches us caution, develops our 
manhood, makes us self-reliant and strong. 
Our facilities for intercourse with our fellow men, the grati¬ 
tude and friendship accorded us, are among the substantial pleas¬ 
ures that fall to our lot. 
I imagine the country practitioner is in better touch and 
sympathy with his patrons, than his city brother. 
