A PRACTICAL TALK TO PRACTICAL MEN. 
187 
do earnestly plead for the observance of neatness and cleanli¬ 
ness in so far as it can be made compatible with onr work. 
I am fully aware that of necessity with the dirty work we 
have to do our clothing cannot long be kept spotless ; that is 
not expected ; but there is no excuse for our habitually going 
about the streets, about our business, or appearing in public 
places in a careless, dirty garb and general slovenly make-up 
that we sometimes see. 
A respectable hat, a smoothly shaven face, a well-kept 
beard, a clean collar and tie, the actual mud and loose dirt 
brushed from the outer clothing, and a touch of polish on the 
shoes, are features of every-day dress that go a long way toward 
giving one a respectable, gentlemanly appearance, and certainly 
none of these things are beyond the attainment of any practic¬ 
ing veterinarian. 
It is true that very many of the people with whom we have 
to associate in business are not inspiring to us in this respect. 
We all know who they are. Many of them have come into the 
world blighted by birth; they have had no education, mentally 
or morally, that tended to inspire, hence no ambitions, and there¬ 
fore with these there should be no comparison. 
I have not a word to utter against the honest laborers in the 
very lowest vocations of life, but certainly all veterinarians 
should aspire to rise above the styles, the habits, and the asso¬ 
ciations of the street loungers, the common hostlers or the race 
horse swipes. 
Yes, we must hold the confidence and respect even of these, 
else in our work sometimes it would be in a measure handicapped; 
but, gain and maintain- that confidence and respect, not by 
constant companionship, which only breeds familiarity, but by 
kind words when thrown in contact, an ever gentlemanly con¬ 
duct, and always strict attention to our own business. 
It is one of the powers and privileges vested purely within 
our own selves, that each may so deport himself that credit and 
dishonor will reflect not only upon himself but also upon the 
profession which he represents, and, likewise, if he so deport 
