EDITORIAL. 
65 
The English authorities have always claimed, heretofore, that every outbreak of 
foot-and-mouth disease in this country was directly caused by the importation 
of foreign animals. 
With many wishes for the success of the Alumni Association of the A. Y. C. 
and their Alma Mater. 
Very sincerely, 
W. H. Wray, D.Y.S. 
Chief U. S. Veterinary Inspector for Great Britain. 
Veterinary Legislation. —It is some time since we had 
occasion to call the attention of our readers to new atte rpts 
made to regulate the practice of veterinary medicine in some 
of our States. To-day New York State is once more in the 
field. It seems that, notwithstanding the laws and amend¬ 
ments passed by the Legislature in Albany in 1886 and 1887, 
the practice of our art is not yet sufficiently protected or reg¬ 
ulated ; and to that effect a new bill has been presented to the 
New York Legislature as an amendment. 
The question of the necessity of such a law is rather doubt¬ 
ful. Of what advantage can it be when we consider the nul¬ 
lity of its predecessors, and the ignorance displayed in their 
enforcement? By the New York State Veterinary Society, 
we are told, the present project is fathered. We can scarcely 
believe that such an honorable body would urge the passage 
of an act which would bring us back to the time when Socie¬ 
ties were granted the privilege—so shamefully abused—of 
qualifying men to register by the granting of a certificate of 
membership. The law, as it is, seems to us but an extension 
of the privileges offered.by that of 1886 and its amendment of 
1887; and when it is considered that our veterinary schools 
are improving their curriculum and increasing the length of 
time of studies at college before graduation, it must necessa¬ 
rily be evident that there is no necessity for its support; but, 
on the contrary, that of its defeat before the Legislature. 
With the steps taken in improving the education given at 
our schools, the only thing which is now imperative is the en¬ 
forcement of the laws already in existence, and the prosecu¬ 
tion of those who, not having complied with their require¬ 
ments, are still, in defiance of them, practising our art. It 
belongs to the New York State Veterinary Society to imitate 
