214 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
scientific, nor clothed in sufficiently classical language ; but I have endea¬ 
voured to make some amends for this loss by keeping steadily before my 
mind that which appears to me to be practical and useful, and for that 
purpose I have divided my subject into two parts, viz: 
1st. An epitomised retrospect of the veterinary profession in Manches¬ 
ter. 2ndly. Veterinary medical associations, and the important usefulness 
of which they are susceptible. 
1st. An epitomized retrospect of the veterinary profession in Manchester. 
In reviewing a body of men or a profession as to its status in society, 
and compariug it with other bodies of men or other professions, it must 
ever be borne in mind that to approximate the truth we must always take 
into account the nature of the town or city and the character of its inhabit¬ 
ants. I believe it is admitted, on all hands, that Manchester is a pre-emi¬ 
nently practical city, and its inhabitants are essentially a pounds, shillings, 
and pence class of men, each diligently following his own avocation, 
almost altogether regardless of his next door neighbour, and among them 
success is deemed the best, if not the only proof of merit. 
The respectability and dignity of our profession has so well been sus¬ 
tained by our predecessors that it will bear comparison with any other 
town or city in the kingdom. It is the proudest thought of my life to 
know this, and as I look around me at this moment, I see an array of 
veterinary talent and ability that is not surpassed, and I believe I am right 
in saying—is uot equalled in this or any other country. The last time I 
had the happiness to meet you in this room we were on the eve of break¬ 
ing down an old custom, which had been often condemned by many right- 
minded men as being a habit deserving of censure, and, in many 
instances, entailing demoralizing effects. I am alluding to the giving of 
new-year’s gifts. At that time all kinds of rumours were in circulation ; 
from one quarter we heard that our smiths threatened that they would 
turn out, because it would encroach upon their vested rights ; from another, 
that the place would be turned out of the windows; in a third quarter, the 
representation of a coffin was posted alongside of a large notice, intimat¬ 
ing what would be required if these intentions were carried out, and 
from all quarters the threat was loud and deep that much of our income 
would be imperilled. But at length the 1st of January, 1864, came, and 
so far as I am aware, the sun did not change colour on that day, neither 
was there any earthquake; but this I believe did happen, there was a 
creditable peace and quietude in each of our establishments, utterly 
unknown on any previous occasion, and, to the honour of Manchester be 
it said, I believe not one of its members swerved an hair’s breadth from 
the mutual engagement; nor do I believe our business has suffered in the 
remotest degree; at least I speak for myself. 
This is, I believe, the largest and most influential meeting of English vete¬ 
rinary surgeons ever assembled together in this or in any other town out of 
the metropolis. And let me remind you, gentlemen, that this association is 
the pioneer provincial veterinary association in England, andthat Manches¬ 
ter still stands high in public estimation. We have heard of the Manchester 
school before to-night. She is ever first and foremost in every great and 
good movement, whether it be social, political, or scientific. Yes, the 
voice of Manchester has been heard throughout the length and breadth 
of the land, and her influence felt in every clime. I have heard the voice 
of Manchester listened to with bated breath in our hall of legislature; 
but the House of Commons is not the only assembly in which the voice 
of Manchester has been heard. For three years your respected ex-presi¬ 
dent, Mr. Lawson, has raised his voice and used his vote upon every 
mportant question in our National Veterinary Council in London. The 
