LIVERPOOL VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 213 
of a veterinary surgeon ? Let the failures of many give the answer. 
Again, is lie de facto what the diploma declares him to be, fully 
competent to practise the art and science of veterinary medicine 
and surgery ? Let the still small voice of conscience give the 
answer. Again, whose services are most sought after, and ergo, 
whose in which the most confidence is placed—the practical man, 
ignorant though he be, or the fifteen-month student of veterinary 
science who writes M.R.C.V.S. at the end of his name ? Let a 
discerning public give the answer. Why, gentlemen, we know full 
well, and most reluctantly confess, that this is no overdrawn 
picture, but a simple statement of facts which our daily observation 
and experience alike confirm; were I to state the contrary it would 
be a violation of truth, a perversion of facts, and an insult to 
common sense. At a meeting composed exclusively of veterinary 
surgeons, it is both a duty and a privilege for me to speak frankly 
and without reservation my honest convictions, and if I am in 
error I am open to conviction, and will cheerfully retract what is 
shown to be wrong; but if, on the contrary, I am correct, then 
I respectfully invite your co-operation and assistance to remove 
existing evils, in the manner I have suggested in a former part of 
this paper, which, if rigidly adhered to and faithfully carried out, 
will render our future veterinary surgeons more worthy of sup¬ 
port, and also enable them more successfully to combat empiri¬ 
cism, which on all sides abounds, and ultimately to claim from 
the State that protection which is given to their professional 
brethren in other countries, and which they are also entitled to 
as members of a liberal and enlightened profession. From a 
brief summary of my opinions, published in the pages of the 
Veterinarian^ on the training of youth for the veterinary profession, 
you will observe—1st. That I am in favour of a substantial English 
education, to which a knowledge of French and Latin will form a 
valuable addition ; 2ndly. That I strongly insist on the necessity 
of two or three years’ practical training under a veterinary surgeon 
of eminence and extensive practice ; 3rdly. The usual curriculum of 
study at some one of the recognised veterinary colleges ; and lastly, 
a practical test in the final examination. These are convictions 
developed by experience. They are the questions which await 
solution. Gentlemen, in conclusion, let me add our prospects are 
very hopeful, our cause is good, but to each of you I would say— 
“ This above all: To thine own self be true, 
And it must follow, as the night the day, 
Thou canst not then be false to any man.” 
The President said the question upon the education of the veteri¬ 
nary student was one of the subjects selected for discussion, and he 
therefore wished the consideration of Mr. Walley’s paper should 
again receive the attention of the members. 
Mr. P. Taylor, after eulogising the President’s assiduity in grap¬ 
pling with the several obstructions that interfere with the advance¬ 
ment of the profession, deprecated the supineness of the Government 
