IRISH CENTRAL VETERINARY -MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 377 
wl'.atevcr petty jealousies, enmities, antipathies, revilings, and ran¬ 
cours may exist amongst you, and substitute in their stead the 
observance of an affable, kind, gentlemanly, honourable, and 
generous conduct. 
These associations, when conducted in a proper spirit, have two 
distinct characteristics, which appear to me to stand forth more 
prominently than the rest. The first is their social aspect. 
The opportunities they afford veterinary surgeons of meeting 
together, becoming better acquainted with each other, and, take my 
w'ord for it, we shall find, almost in every case, that there is not a 
single member but who possesses some good traits of character, 
some kind and generous sympathies hidden in his nature, which we 
little dreamt he possessed. After a while we find that friendship 
has taken the place of disrespect. These associations tend to smooth 
down many asperities. Depend upon it, the exhibition of this 
friendly spirit will teach the public to respect us, and will help to 
place our noble profession in a higher position than it has hitherto 
obtained. 
The second characteristic to which I have referred is “ their 'prac¬ 
tical and scientific aspect^ A member undertakes to bring 
before each meeting of the Association a description of some dis¬ 
ease, in respect of which he may have had considerable experience ; 
he explains clearly and unreservedly his views and opinions ; a dis- 
cussion follows. Thus do these meetings tend to stimulate thought, 
and excite emulation ; different methods of treating disease are 
constantly brought before us, much valuable practical knowledge 
developed by experience is brought to light which otherwise would 
never have appeared, and the inevitable result is lasting intellectual 
profit and pleasure. 
I would strongly advise that you maintain a proper discipline 
and method in conducting your meetings ; do not get into the 
habit of conducting them loosely or carelessly, as it ultimately 
lessens their interest; and may God speed the good work already 
commenced! 
Mr. Collins, Royal Dragoons, said—Having been referred to by 
our worthy chairman, I deem it my duty to address you on this 
auspicious occasion. The very great intellectual and professional 
benefit I have from time to time derived from attending veterinary 
medical associations during my tour of duty through England, 
led me some time ago to form a determination to take the earliest 
opportunity of ascertaining how far the members of the veterinary 
profession in Ireland would co-operate in the establishment of a 
veterinary medical association in this country, and I feel, indeed, 
proud to state that, having communicated with the whole of the 
r. embers of the profession in Ireland, at least as far as I could, 
there has not been a single response but what has contained an 
expression of best wishes for the success of the undertaking, 
and a hearty desire to co-operate in the formation of an association ; 
and further, I feel proud to state that my friends Mr. Greaves, of 
Mancliester, and Mr. Whittle, of Worsely, knowing the advantage 
