A PRACTICAL TALK TO PRACTICAL MEN. 
183 
of fellows, sufficiently ambitious to maintain their places in the 
front ranks and to avail themselves of all the benefits obtainable 
through the various avenues leading to knowledge. 
It would be impossible for us to conceive of a more fertile 
source of practical knowledge than that which conies to us 
through a meeting of real, earnest, thoughtful, intelligent work¬ 
ers in veterinary science. 
Their considerations and discussions on the various subjects 
which come before them, the clinical demonstrations and the 
individual intermingling one with another, are indeed ideal 
methods for practical education. 
(Apparently some of our brethren in the rural districts have 
not yet learned this, but it is true all the same.) 
Then recognizing veterinary associations through their 
meetings as being the greatest propagators of real practical vet¬ 
erinary knowledge, we can only predict a wonderful growth for 
the one we are to-day to dedicate. 
Our present organization is only a little nucleus, around 
which will gather the wisdom and strength of the Western vet¬ 
erinary profession. 
Its influence shall manifest itself, and it shall be recognized 
throughout the length and breadth of the land on all great 
questions pertaining to veterinary and sanitary science. 
While Iowa has not had nearly as many graduated veterina¬ 
rians as many of the States farther East, her State veterinary 
association has for many years enjoyed the reputation of being 
one of the best, both in points of attendance and in the charac¬ 
ter of its meetings. 
Nebraska, with a far less number of veterinarians yet than 
Iowa, can safely claim, I believe, that a larger percentage of her 
veterinarians are members and supporters of her State veteri¬ 
nary association than any other State in the Union. It will 
now be seen that the veterinarians of these tw T o States have 
assumed the responsibility of the support of three veterinary 
associations, and this in addition to the aid they may and will 
give to the American iVssociation. 
