246 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
barrass us. We see, for instance, men rich in intellectual attainments 
unable to secure for themselves a sufficiency of even ordinary necessaries, 
whilst, on the other hand we frequently find plain uneducated men, of 
unquestionably a lower order of intellect, quietly and diligently plying 
their avocation, it being an invariable rule with such men, under all cir¬ 
cumstances, to execute business with prompt and decisive action, and by 
a wise economical application of time and means to amass money, and 
after a few years of wholesome thrift we see them rolling in wealth. 
We are apt to refer matters of this kind to some mysterious dispensation 
of Providence, beyond our comprehension and wholly independent of 
human control; but on a closer inspection of the circumstances of any 
particular case, we often find all the mystery vanishes, and we are able to 
trace man’s failures to natural causes. It will frequently be found that 
such failures are referable to some weak point in the mind or the body; 
to a defect in the balance of power among the different functions of his 
nature. Possibly he is a victim to the baneful effects of that worst of all 
habits, procrastination and incomplete resolves; a want of nerve and 
energy ; and an insufficiency of animal and moral courage which are 
necessary for success in the practical struggle of life. With him there is 
a constant miscalculation of time and means, occasioning continual hurry 
and difficulty, and the adoption of expedients that too often lead to 
penury. 
We will now take a retrospect of the veterinary friends we have lost 
in Manchester. The constant and frequent changes that are taking 
place amongst us is something surprising, considering the small number 
of our members who are practising here at any one stated period of 
time. During the thirty years that I have been engaged in this pro¬ 
fession in this city, I have lost not less than twenty-three fellow practi¬ 
tioners through death. When I commenced my career here there were 
nine veterinary practitioners in this place, with lives full of vigour as we 
are now, but, with only one solitary exception, all of them have long 
since gone to that bourne from whence there is no returning. Mr. 
Peplow, he is dead; Mr. Lefton, Mr. Frank Myatt, Mr. Bird, they, too, 
are dead. Mr. Matthew Gibson, whose name is never mentioned only in 
terms of sincere respect to his memory, is also dead. Mr. John 
Taylor, that man of indefatigable and untiring energy, whose practical 
judgment was deservedly esteemed far and wide, lie is dead. Mr. 
Thomas Taylor, whose activity and diligence in his profession, combined 
with great abilities, caused him to be much respected by all who knew 
him, is likewise dead. Mr. James Taylor, their father, after an indus¬ 
trious and useful career, having accumulated a competency, retired from 
the profession to enjoy for many years a green old age, he, too, is dead. 
And last, though not least, the much respected Mr. James Hollinworth, 
that brilliant little gentleman, that vivacious and eminently successful 
practitioner, whom to know was only another word to respect and to 
esteem, he is dead. As a dream all this seems to have passed before 
me. The only survivor is my very much respected and truly esteemed 
relative and tutor, Mr. John Greaves, of Altringham. To him I am 
indebted for planting in my mind much useful practical knowledge. It 
is to the principles he so faithfully and earnestly inculcated in my youth, 
that I can ascribe the honour and the distinguished position I this mo¬ 
ment hold amongst you, and for which I shall ever entertain a lively 
sense of gratitude to the end of my days. I have heard our esteemed 
ex-president say, “I know no veterinary surgeon’s name spoken of with 
more respect than the name of John Greaves,” and we are proud in 
having the honour of his presence this evening. Yes, gentlemen, and 
