77 0 MIDLAND COUNTIES VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
Parliament, or endeavour in any way to influence their actions. 
Still, if we are liberal enough to wish and demand reform, let us 
be conservative enough to expect reform to be gradual; believing 
that steady progress and well-matured measures will survive the 
test of time, while rash and hasty endeavours can only bear re¬ 
semblance to the little bubble blown by the child, which rises and 
flitters for a moment, and then vanishes away. 
The circular received from the North of England Association, 
and discussed at our last meeting, indicates to my mind that a 
feeling akin to that which I have endeavoured so feebly to lay 
before you actuates our brothers of the North. If we can 
only get our societies to act in concert and with spirit, not 
only should we be able to obtain at all times and on all subjects 
the opinions of the profession, but we should form such a phalanx 
of strength as would resist all encroachments on our rights as a 
chartered body, and make reform comparatively easy. The 
scientific discussions at these meetings have always been a great 
feature, and while we thank those who from time to time have so 
kindly introduced papers and specimens of interest, let us ask 
them to still continue to do the same, and in the discussion that fol¬ 
lows let each endeavour to take a part. It is not because you or I 
hold certain views of disease, and adopt certain plans of treat* 
ment, that we are therefore right. We may find on comparing 
notes with others, that if not all abroad, we are far behind in 
some of the minor details of practice. Let him also who is able 
to attend the annual meetings of our college, support only those 
who have the interest of the profession at heart, and who will also 
regularly discharge duties that devolve upon them. By these 
means we shall show to the professional world that we are earnest 
and sincere in our desire for progress, and that whatever subject 
comes before us, that by calmly, fairly, yet freely and fearlessly, 
discussing it, we shall establish such a fellowship among our 
members, and such a unanimity of sentiment and feeling among 
our body, as shall make the motto of our college not a dead letter, 
but a reality. 
After the address the members adjourned to another room, 
where the annual dinner took place. The usual loyal and other 
toasts were given, and thus terminated a most pleasant and profit¬ 
able meeting. 
M. Palfrey, Hon. Sec. 
