SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
755 
leges, but it would establish the character of the profession upon a profound 
basis. Such a step would be the initiative of a broad principle resulting in a 
higher education of the profession. The public is demanding on every side that 
the status of art and science as taught in our institutions of learning be made 
higher. 
During the last decade the higher institutions of learning have been requiring 
a more rigid matriculation, and establishing a thorough curriculum. 
Second to the leading profession in America to-day is the medical. The pro¬ 
ducts of their work show greater results toward enlightening and contributing to 
the happiness of the human family than any other. Our profession is an auxili¬ 
ary to the medical. The confidence and respect that society has entertained 
toward the medical, has brought many a man from obscurity into prominence. 
And why not bring our profession up to that standard of proficiency? We have 
the intelligence and integrity, we can rise above the misnomer that prevails to a 
certain extent, i. e., that the profession is not an elevating one, and that a young 
man of ability and refinement who may choose to enter it attenuates his manli¬ 
ness ; this is a gross error and a “Moloch” sacrifice of the painstaking energy 
that the veterinarian of to-day has undergone in order that he might properly 
perform a function in a profession of such beneficence to the higher and lower 
animals as that of ours. But, as in all reforms that require time to educate the 
masses, we can entertain the pleasant fruits of hope, that in due season ours will 
be properly adjusted. 
The year that has just closed has not been so fraught of medical excitement 
as the one which preceded it. Experience has been conservative. 
Prophylactic and therapeutic treatment has pursued an even tenor, and has 
been quite as successful as in the past. The United States Department of Agri¬ 
culture has prepared a special report on “ The causes and prevention of Swine 
Plague,” which is well worth your time and study. So far as I have been able to 
ascertain, contagious disease has not existed to any extent. The periodic and 
zymotic diseases which are indigenous to certain localities have not been alarm, 
ing, though the death rate in the families of fashionable and standard bred horses 
has been greater this year than the preceding one. 
Gentlemen, the labor of the second year of our Society is drawing to a close. 
At this time a new set of officers will be elected, to assume their duties at the 
close of this meeting. Knowing that your choice will be a wise one I have only t o 
say, that from the sincereity of my heart I feel to thank the Society for the honors 
you have so bountifully conferred upon me, and for the willing and cordial sup¬ 
port you have given me in all the undertakings that I have adventured in, in 
what 1 believed to be for the best interests of the Society and the profession at 
large. While we may differ as to methods and the expediency of certain forms, 
yet I think we are fully agreed that the principle is right. 
And to the gentleman that shall succeed me, I wish to assure him of my 
confidence and support, and hope that he shall be able to achieve greater ends 
than I have accomplished in my humble way. 
The members were greatly pleased with the able manner 
in which President Morris pointed out the matters of vital 
