744 
EXAMINATION FOR DIPLOMA. 
the composition of the calculus, but they might fail to satisfy 
the present Veterinarian therefore specimens have been 
forwarded to Professor R. V. Tuson, F.C.S., who will, I am 
sure, be most happy to append the results of his analysis 
and examination, for the benefit of the profession and science 
generally. 
[Three portions of the calculus referred to in the foregoing 
paper were sent to me for examination by Mr. Poyser. One 
portion was labelled, ‘‘ Outer part of calculus, hard, dense, 
laminated, and shell-likea second portion was labelled. 
Inner part of calculus, which is almost entirely of a gravelly 
character;” and a third portion labelled, The least con¬ 
densed part of the inner part of calculus, smooth, soft, and 
and chalky.” By analysis it was ascertained that each por¬ 
tion consisted substantially of the same constituents, viz., 
carbonate of lime, with traces of iron and nitrogenised organic 
matter.]— Richard Y. Tuson. 
EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA OF THE 
ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SUR¬ 
GEONS. 
By T. Walton Mayer, Veterinary Surgeon, 7th Class, R.E. 
Y^our pages have frequently been occupied by papers 
relating to the education, and latterly to the examination, of 
the veterinary student. 
As one who some years ago gave this subject the most 
earnest attention, and who had the honour of submitting to 
a sub-committee of veterinary surgeons some propositions 
respecting it, I am anxious to direct the attention of the 
profession to its great importance, and a careful consideration 
of the interests involved. 
If I am correctly informed, the council of the Royal College 
of Veterinary Surgeons, having in contemplation a revision 
of the present system of examining candidates for the diploma 
of the college, have determined— 
(1) That one hour of examination is not sufficient to test 
the qualification of the student; 
(2) That the examinations be oral, written, and practical, 
the latter to be on the living as well as the dead subject; 
